1. Introduction

At Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain, we recognize that digital literacy is essential for students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Our school is committed to integrating digital competencies into teaching and learning while ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for students, staff, and visitors.

This policy outlines the requirements for the school’s digital strategy, student digital skills development, digital safeguarding measures, and secure use of digital technology.

2. Purpose

The PIPS Digital Policy aims to:

• Develop and implement a school-wide digital strategy for technology use, digital competencies, infrastructure, security, and resource allocation.
• Empower students with digital skills to maximize learning opportunities and participate responsibly in the digital world.
• Educate students about safe, responsible, and appropriate digital behavior.
• Ensure robust systems and procedures for digital security and data protection.
• Comply with ADEK regulations and the Federal Decree Law No. (45) of 2021 on Personal Data Protection.

3. Definitions

• Digital Device: Any computer-like instrument used for communication, including laptops, tablets, smart watches, and mobile phones.
• Digital Incident: Inappropriate use of technology, including access to harmful content, cyberbullying, or breach of school policies.
• Assistive Technology: Tools that support students with additional learning needs, including software, hardware, or adaptive devices.
• Responsible Usage: Rules governing permitted and prohibited digital activity on school networks, devices, and platforms.
• Cybersecurity Incident: Breach threatening the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of school information systems.
• Parent: The legal guardian of a student as defined in Federal Decree Law No. (3) of 2016 (Wadeema).

4. Digital Strategy and Oversight

4.1 Digital Strategy

The school has develop a 5-year digital strategy including:

• Goals for technology integration in learning and administration.
• Plans for assistive technology to ensure inclusion.
• Student digital skill outcomes by grade.
• Procurement and implementation of infrastructure, software, and hardware.
• Cybersecurity and data protection measures.
• Staff training and awareness programs, including emerging technologies like AI.
• Investment requirements and future-proofing of infrastructure.

4.2 Oversight
A PIPS Digital Wellbeing Committee will:

• Develop, implement, and review the digital strategy annually.
• Monitor student learning outcomes and technology effectiveness.
• Conduct cybersecurity risk assessments.
• Evaluate staff and student digital development needs.
• Liaise with ADEK and stakeholders for digital compliance.

4.3 ADEK Liaison

Mr. Arshad Mehmood has been appointed to liaise with ADEK on matters of digital competency, safety, and security.

5. Digital Competencies

5.1 Student Outcomes:

Digital competencies for students will be defined by grade and embedded in the curriculum. Infrastructure and resources will support students with additional learning needs, in line with the Inclusion Policy.

5.2 Staff Training:

Training will cover:

• Digital infrastructure, policies, and platforms.
• Student digital outcomes.
• Data protection and cybersecurity.
• Digital safety and wellbeing measures.

6. Responsible Usage and Digital Safeguarding

6.1 Responsible Usage Policies

The school will define permitted and prohibited digital behavior for students, staff, parents, and visitors. This includes:

• Use of school-issued devices, networks, and software.
• Use of personal devices under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.
• Online academic honesty, plagiarism, and safe use of AI and digital tools.
• Rules for social media and password management.

6.2 Safeguarding Students

The school will protect students against:

• Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content.
• Unsafe online interaction.
• Cyberbullying.
• Online scams and financial risks.

Measures include:

• Age-appropriate digital awareness programs.
• Web filtering and internet monitoring on school devices.
• Identification and support for students with risky digital habits.
• Safe virtual interactions with visitors (with parental consent).

6.3 Digital Incidents

All digital incidents will be:

• Intervened and supported in line with school and ADEK policies.
• Recorded, documented, and signed by the Principal.
• Reported to ADEK and, if necessary, to Abu Dhabi Police.

6.4 Parental Responsibility

Parents are expected to monitor students’ digital behavior outside school hours.

7. Digital Infrastructure

7.1 Devices & Security:

All school devices will include security features. BYOD policies will define safety requirements.

7.2 Staff Systems:

Staff will have access to digital systems provided by ADEK, including the Learning
Management System.

7.3 Distance Learning:

The school will maintain readiness for emergency distance learning.

7.4 Assistive Technology:

Students with additional learning needs will be provided assistive tools as per their documented learning plans.

7.5 External Providers:

Third-party digital products and vendors will be assessed for security, compatibility, and compliance with ADEK and UAE regulations.

8.Data and Cybersecurity

• Secure IT Architecture: Role-based access, encryption, firewalls, malware protection, data backups, and disaster recovery.
• System Maintenance: Regular updates and testing of infrastructure.
• External Apps & Cloud: Secure access, single sign-on, and cloud security posture management.
• Cybersecurity Incident Response: Protocols for reporting, recovery, and continuity, with ADEK notification.

9. Data Protection

• Policy: Personal information will be collected, processed, stored, and shared only with consent, following Federal Decree Law No. 45/2021.
• Data Sharing: Accurate information will be provided to ADEK as required.
• Protection Plan: Annual review of data security, classification, access, and recovery measures.

10. Digital Communications

10.1 Media Policy:

• Written parental consent required for photos or videos of students.
• Clear consent procedures for publishing digital content.

10.2 Social Media Policy:

• School accounts must be secure, moderated, and culturally appropriate.
• Staff personal accounts must maintain privacy, professional boundaries, and not communicate with students under 18.

10.3 Email & Website:

• Staff will not use personal emails to contact students or parents. 
• The school website will provide accurate information on services, fees, policies, achievements, and reports.

11. Compliance

• Effective from AY 2024/25, full compliance required by AY 2025/26.
• Violations are subject to ADEK accountability, legal penalties, and UAE laws.

12. Reference

1. ADEK School Digital Policy v1.1, 2024
2. Federal Decree Law No. 3, 18, 31, 34, 38, 45 (UAE)
3. ADEK Inclusion, Student Behavior, and Student Protection Policies
4. Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA)