Digital devices and online services for students
Direction and guidance on the safe, respectful and responsible use of digital devices and online services for students in NSW public schools.
Audience
All staff and students in NSW public schools.
| Version | Date | Description of changes | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
| V02.1.0 | 07/11/2025 | Updated to include new requirements for bring your own device (BYOD) programs and restrictions on student access to department devices and online services from overseas locations. Updated policy ownership. | Director, Cyber Security |
| V02.0.1 | 25/02/2025 | Updated contact titles | Executive Director, Technology Enablement |
| V02.0.0 | 09/10/2023 | Updated the policy to remove reference to mobile phones. Converted to the new policy template. Changed policy name from 'Student use of digital devices and online services'. | Executive Director, Digital Learning |
- Policy statement
- Digital devices include laptops, tablets, wearable technology (such as smartwatches and headphones) and other devices that can receive, store, process and share digital information and connect to applications (apps), websites and other online services. Online services include digital classrooms, chat and messaging, online games, virtual reality, interactive online learning activities, social media and other online spaces.
- Students need to use digital devices and online services in a safe, responsible and respectful manner.
- Students may only use digital devices and online services in specific circumstances, such as for an educational purpose, to support student learning, wellbeing and educational outcomes, or as part of a reasonable adjustment to enable students with specific needs to participate in education on the same basis as other students.
- Principals determine their school’s approach to digital devices and online services, consulting with staff, students and parents or carers, as well as assessing individual requests for exemptions.
- Schools may choose to implement bring your own device (BYOD) programs. Any requirements for these programs must be clearly communicated to students, parents and carers.
- Student access to department devices and online services is restricted from overseas locations. Where required to support continued learning, schools may enable temporary overseas access in line with department procedures.
- Context
- Digital devices and online services are an important part of everyday life, shaping the way children and young people learn, communicate, work and play. Learning environments should support students to develop technological, social and emotional competencies. This support should maximise the benefits and minimise the risks of digital environments and prepare students for life beyond school.
- The department does what it reasonably can to provide safe and secure access to school resources, equipment and infrastructure, including internet connectivity, for students at school.
- Policy contact
- Director, Cyber Security, Information Technology Directorate
CyberCompliance@det.nsw.edu.au
- Director, Cyber Security, Information Technology Directorate
- Monitoring the policy
- The Chief Information Officer monitors the implementation of this policy, regularly reviews its contents to ensure relevance and accuracy, and updates it as needed.