Acceptable Use Policy

At Özkaya KHS, staff laptops enable instruction, collaboration, and efficient school management. This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines how devices must be used responsibly, ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies, Turkish data protection legislation (KVKK), and international standards.

Every staff member who accesses school systems, digital resources, or confidential data using a school-issued laptop or personal device for school duties must follow this Acceptable Use Policy.

• Professional Use: Laptops are for work-related activities that support classroom practice and school operations.
• Confidentiality: Handle all sensitive or personal data with discretion and according to school policy.
• Compliance: Follow Turkish data protection laws (KVKK), safeguarding requirements, and international best practices.
• Respect: Treat equipment carefully, maintaining it in good working condition.

Staff must:

• Use laptops primarily for lesson planning, instruction, communication, and administration.
• Secure devices with complex passwords/biometrics and lock screens whenever unattended.
• Report lost or stolen devices immediately to school leadership or IT support.
• Store sensitive records only on approved, secure platforms (encrypted cloud services or school servers).
• Keep operating systems and security updates current.
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection, and data protection policies.
• Install only licensed and school-approved applications.

• Use laptops for personal commercial ventures or non-educational purposes.
• Create, access, or share illegal, offensive, or discriminatory content.
• Use personal social media during work hours unless directly linked to school business.
• Share login credentials or allow family/friends to use school laptops.
• Install unapproved software or attempt to bypass security tools.
• Store personal media such as family photos or videos on school devices.

• Safeguard data confidentiality and integrity at all times.
• Never send sensitive records via unsecured channels or personal emails.
• Log out when leaving devices unattended and power down during extended absences.
• Physically protect laptops off-site, storing them securely when not in use.

• The school may monitor laptop activity to ensure policy compliance.
• Routine checks help verify security controls and adherence.
• Any suspected breach will be investigated under the staff disciplinary process.

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in:

• Temporary or permanent revocation of laptop privileges.
• Disciplinary measures consistent with the staff code of conduct.
• Reporting to relevant legal or regulatory authorities when required.

This policy is reviewed every year, or sooner if technology, safeguarding guidance, or Turkish data protection law changes.