Dear Parents
iPADS AT SCHOOL
Our one-one-one iPad programme remains an important part of teaching and learning at Bishops. Not only does it enhance and enrich learning at the Prep but in using it from a young age it is a practical opportunity to teach appropriate digital usage, ethics, discernment and judgement. Our partnership with Klikd is a crucial part of this learning process and its education around the recreational is also important for our boys at this age, as they prepare for the teenage stage and the possibilities and adventure that accompany it.
We are very clear that the iPad is an educational tool, owned by yourselves, subject to the same rules as any textbook or workbook that boys have and use at school. It is not a personal, closed device (such as a diary might be) and a boy can be asked to open it at any time; so we ask you to please to do this at home too, in fact, have your son’s password and do regular checks.
For us the use of the iPad as part of the learning process is a very positive one, but we are not naïve and the school has very effective firewalls in place with a twelve hourly reporting function in order to protect our boys and to control those who attempt misuse. In order to ensure the above, there are a number of “don’ts” and “not allowed” at school.
- no sim card
- no VPNs
- no downloads such as YouTube or TikTok
- no games
- no emailing during school time without permission
- no inappropriate material of any kind
- history not to be erased
- no cell phones at school
I hate seeing so many “no’s” in a row, but in order to ensure that using the iPad remains a positive part of our programme this is essential. We do do spot checks but our hope is to find nothing untoward, or at least very little.
You have control of your son’s recreational use of devices such as iPads, phones and laptops at home. And this is a challenge for the modern family. Klikd’s advice is that our children cannot be completely removed from the digital world in terms of recreational use. But controlled usage is everything in the Prep years. They recommend discussion and involvement of both parents and children in the decision around the what and how many minutes or hours per week (with parents having the casting vote). How much time on games in a week; week nights or only weekends. Some families go for no week day games or social messaging and two hours over a weekend, at mutually agreed times, while others might allow half an hour on a week night. But please note that there is very little homework involving the iPad, so please do not let this be used as an excuse. If all families instituted clear controls, limited and appropriate usage, we would have far fewer difficulties. Unfortunately we have reports of some boys spending hours online, either because this is allowed, or because boys are tricking their parents through finding ways to circumvent their controls.
If you have not yet signed up to the Klikd app, please do so – it provides regular and up-to-date information. Sadly, fewer more than half of parents have done so to date.
Some concerns that have emerged recently regarding age and inappropriate exposure to pornography, violence and very crude and sexual language. Please be aware of and check the following:
- anime
- a program called “Hentai”
- links to YouTube clips
- TikTok material
- With whom your son is playing games – only known friends
Essentially be sure that you know what the content is that your son is enjoying.
CARNIVAL
All are looking forward to tomorrow night’s Community Carnival at Lutgensvale, a joint initiative of Prep and College, Vusa and the OD Bursary Fund. Thank you in advance for your contributions, both material and in terms of time.
Kind regards
GREG BROWN
HEADMASTER |
