2.11 Children's Personal Computer Equipment

1.	Executive Summary
2.	Personal Computers
	2.1	Network and Internet Access
	2.2	Software
3.	Other Computer Devices

1. Executive Summary

More or our Young Persons now have a personal PC or laptop in their room. Whilst this is encouraged it does raise a few areas of concern, especially if they gain access to the internet. There are also other computing devices to take into consideration including MP3 players, PDAs etc. The use of these computer devices should also fall in line with the “children’s use of internet, email, PC and network Policy” .

2. Personal Computers

Some of our Young Persons are fortunate enough to have a personal computer, which is kept in their room. This should be encouraged but should be reviewed and be part of the care plan. Each individual child’s use of computer equipment should be assessed using the relevant risk assessments and rules agreed etc. Failure to comply will result in the equipment not being allowed on site. Below are listed some areas of concern and do’s and don’ts.

2.1 Network and Internet Access

Under no circumstances should their personal PC be allowed to connect to the network.
No internet access should be allowed due to the access will be unfiltered. Below are a few items to be aware of:
If the young person has access to a phone point, a laptop can plug into this and they will be able to gain unfiltered access to the internet whilst running up a large phone bill.
Wireless networks are becoming more widespread and because of the lack of experience of setting up the wireless networks, a lot of them have not been secured, therefore anyone in range can connect to the internet. If a young persons computer is in range and has wireless functionality, then they will have unfiltered access to the internet. If this is the case then the site manager will need to decide appropriate action. It may be worth informing the neighbour (if known) that their wireless network is insecure and being accessed by the young people.
Young persons could use their mobile phones in order to gain access to the internet on their PC.

2.2 Software

Any software installed on the computer is to be licensed and proof of the licenses should be displayed before the young person is able to bring the computer into the home. The computer should be checked when first brought on site for software installed, if help is required with this then the IT department is to be contacted who will be able to guide you through how to check for software and what to check for licenses. If there is doubt about the legality or content on the device then it will not be allowed on site.
If the young person requires software installing on their laptop that belongs to the home (games, education software etc.), as long as it is within the licensing conditions of the software then this can be done but only by a member of Staff as they may try to copy the software. If the young person is leaving the home then the software is to be removed. If in doubt contact the IT dept.
Reference should be made to the copyright restrictions in the ‘children’s use of PC policy’ for storage of media files etc.

3. Other Computer Devices

Young persons do have in their possession an array of computer devices including handheld games consoles, PDA’s MP3 players, digital cameras etc. Some of these devices can gain unfiltered access to the internet. Mobile phones can exchange data which includes files, texts, pictures video plus other data transfers. Nearly all these devices have the ability to store data like documents, music files, pictures etc.
Staff should be aware of the capabilities of these devices. It is down to the discretion of the site manager to manage the use of these devices. Under no circumstances should any of the personal devices be connected to the provided computer equipment as it is an easy route to apply viruses etc.