Laptop Usage Rules for children
Rule #1 - I will never be mean to anyone. Ever.
Why?
You are not a mean person so we don't really need to explain this one. But just in case, let's be clear that making fun of someone, and making them feel sad is never acceptable.
This is really important when you are using email or iMessage. This is because something you might say as a joke to a friend when they are actually with you can sometimes seem mean when it's written down - even if you didn't intend it that way. This can cause misunderstandings and even lead to a lost friend.
Penalty?
If you are mean to someone, we will ban all screens for at least one week.
Rule #2 - I will never share any personal information with anyone online.
Why?
There is never any need to give your phone number or address to anyone or any web site. If you are asked for this information, it could be a criminal who is trying to scam you. If you are ever asked to do so, you must alert me or Mum immediately.
Penalty?
If we find you have shared personal information online without first agreeing it with us, we will ban all screens for one week.
Rule #3 - I will not respond to any messages that are mean or make me feel uncomfortable. It’s not my fault if I get a message like that and I’ll you straight away if I do.
Why?
If someone is being mean it is usually best not to try and fight back. If you ever see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried then leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to, and tell us immediately. We will be able to help.
Penalty?
If we find you are getting upset about something happening online but not talking to us about it we will discuss a suitable ban of screens.
Rule #4 - I will use my laptop or iPod touch for a maximum of one and a half hours a day.
Why?
Screens can be addictive - you can quickly end up spending much longer than you planned on them. That's not good: it means you have less time to do other important things we know you love, like playing with your brother and sister, drawing, writing or reading.
Penalty?
If we find you are spending longer than this on screens, we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer.
Rule #5 - Looking at my laptop or iPod will never be the last thing I do before sleeping.
Why?
Evidence shows that if you are looking at a computer, tablet or smartphone just before bed, you will find it more difficult to sleep – see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31089014 if you want to learn more. You need your sleep so you can perform well as school and in the sports you love. Instead, think about reading a book, drawing, or just having a chat with me, Mum, Ash or Euan.
Penalty?
If we find you are breaking this rule we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer. We may also ban you from using your laptop in your bedroom.
Rule #6 - I will not download apps or software without asking first.
Why?
Sometimes downloading apps or software can infect your laptop with a virus. This will break it and may mean it can't be fixed. We don't want that to happen. If there is something you'd like to download then ask us and we will decide with you if it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Penalty?
If we find you are breaking this rule we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer.
Rule #7 - I will not post pictures or videos of myself online
Why?
Once you put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it. It’s not just yours anymore. If you want to share a picture or video (e.g. using iMessage on your iPod) make sure you know the person and it’s not a picture that would embarrass you if they showed someone else.
Penalty?
If you post pictures or video online we will ban all screens for at least one week.
Rule #8 - I will not join social networks like Snapchat or Facebook
Why?
You are not yet old enough to do this. We want to keep you safe and away from some of the silly or nasty stuff that sometimes happens on social networks. There will be a time when you are allowed, but it is not yet.
Penalty?
If you join a social network, we will ban all screens for at least one week.
Rule #9 - I will not change the password on the laptop without telling you first.
Why?
You may forget what you changed it to and get locked out. We also need to be able to check your laptop occasionally to make sure you are staying safe.
Penalty?
If you change the password without telling us first, we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer.
Rule #10 - If your brother or sister asks to use your laptop (e.g. for schoolwork) then you should agree a time when she can do that.
Why?
Your brother or sister might not get his/her own laptop until he/she is older, so there may be times when we ask you to share yours with him/her.
Penalty?
If we don’t think you’re sharing fairly, we will ban you from your laptop for two days.
Rule #11 - I will not buy anything online or register for shopping sites.
Why?
The law does not let you use cards online until you are at least 16. There is a danger that you could lose thousands of pounds to a scammer if you did. If you want to buy something, you must ask us first and we will decide with you if it's appropriate. We will review this when you are 16.
Penalty?
If you purchase something online we will ban you from all screens for at least a week.
Courtesy of Garth Thomas (Capella PR)
Why?
You are not a mean person so we don't really need to explain this one. But just in case, let's be clear that making fun of someone, and making them feel sad is never acceptable.
This is really important when you are using email or iMessage. This is because something you might say as a joke to a friend when they are actually with you can sometimes seem mean when it's written down - even if you didn't intend it that way. This can cause misunderstandings and even lead to a lost friend.
Penalty?
If you are mean to someone, we will ban all screens for at least one week.
Rule #2 - I will never share any personal information with anyone online.
Why?
There is never any need to give your phone number or address to anyone or any web site. If you are asked for this information, it could be a criminal who is trying to scam you. If you are ever asked to do so, you must alert me or Mum immediately.
Penalty?
If we find you have shared personal information online without first agreeing it with us, we will ban all screens for one week.
Rule #3 - I will not respond to any messages that are mean or make me feel uncomfortable. It’s not my fault if I get a message like that and I’ll you straight away if I do.
Why?
If someone is being mean it is usually best not to try and fight back. If you ever see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried then leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to, and tell us immediately. We will be able to help.
Penalty?
If we find you are getting upset about something happening online but not talking to us about it we will discuss a suitable ban of screens.
Rule #4 - I will use my laptop or iPod touch for a maximum of one and a half hours a day.
Why?
Screens can be addictive - you can quickly end up spending much longer than you planned on them. That's not good: it means you have less time to do other important things we know you love, like playing with your brother and sister, drawing, writing or reading.
Penalty?
If we find you are spending longer than this on screens, we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer.
Rule #5 - Looking at my laptop or iPod will never be the last thing I do before sleeping.
Why?
Evidence shows that if you are looking at a computer, tablet or smartphone just before bed, you will find it more difficult to sleep – see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31089014 if you want to learn more. You need your sleep so you can perform well as school and in the sports you love. Instead, think about reading a book, drawing, or just having a chat with me, Mum, Ash or Euan.
Penalty?
If we find you are breaking this rule we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer. We may also ban you from using your laptop in your bedroom.
Rule #6 - I will not download apps or software without asking first.
Why?
Sometimes downloading apps or software can infect your laptop with a virus. This will break it and may mean it can't be fixed. We don't want that to happen. If there is something you'd like to download then ask us and we will decide with you if it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Penalty?
If we find you are breaking this rule we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer.
Rule #7 - I will not post pictures or videos of myself online
Why?
Once you put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it. It’s not just yours anymore. If you want to share a picture or video (e.g. using iMessage on your iPod) make sure you know the person and it’s not a picture that would embarrass you if they showed someone else.
Penalty?
If you post pictures or video online we will ban all screens for at least one week.
Rule #8 - I will not join social networks like Snapchat or Facebook
Why?
You are not yet old enough to do this. We want to keep you safe and away from some of the silly or nasty stuff that sometimes happens on social networks. There will be a time when you are allowed, but it is not yet.
Penalty?
If you join a social network, we will ban all screens for at least one week.
Rule #9 - I will not change the password on the laptop without telling you first.
Why?
You may forget what you changed it to and get locked out. We also need to be able to check your laptop occasionally to make sure you are staying safe.
Penalty?
If you change the password without telling us first, we will ban all screens for one day. If it keeps happening, we will ban you for longer.
Rule #10 - If your brother or sister asks to use your laptop (e.g. for schoolwork) then you should agree a time when she can do that.
Why?
Your brother or sister might not get his/her own laptop until he/she is older, so there may be times when we ask you to share yours with him/her.
Penalty?
If we don’t think you’re sharing fairly, we will ban you from your laptop for two days.
Rule #11 - I will not buy anything online or register for shopping sites.
Why?
The law does not let you use cards online until you are at least 16. There is a danger that you could lose thousands of pounds to a scammer if you did. If you want to buy something, you must ask us first and we will decide with you if it's appropriate. We will review this when you are 16.
Penalty?
If you purchase something online we will ban you from all screens for at least a week.
Courtesy of Garth Thomas (Capella PR)
