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1. Purpose of this agreement

This Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA) ensures that:

  • Students use NEC’s digital platforms responsibly and safely.
  • NEC protects users from cyber threats, inappropriate content, and safeguarding risks.
  • All users respect NEC’s security protocols and UK legal regulations on online safety.

2. Expectations for responsible use

I understand that I must use NEC’s digital systems responsibly to protect myself and others.

2.1 Personal safety online
  • NEC monitors my use of NEC-provided online forums, messaging, and learning systems for safeguarding purposes.
  • I will keep my login details confidential and never share my password.
  • I will never share personal information about myself or others (e.g., name, address, email address, phone number, school details, financial data).
  • I will not arrange to meet anyone offline who I have only met online through NEC forums.
  • If I see anything inappropriate or receive messages that make me uncomfortable, I will report them immediately to student.support@nec.ac.uk
2.2 Respectful and appropriate behaviour
  • I will communicate politely and respectfully in all NEC online spaces.
  • I will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or discrimination.
  • I will not share or distribute images, videos, or personal content of others without their explicit consent.
  • I will not use AI tools to create or manipulate images of others.
  • I will not access, download, or share inappropriate, illegal, or harmful materials.
2.3 Protecting NEC’s digital environment
  • I will not attempt to bypass NEC’s security measures (e.g., VPNs, proxies, hacking tools).
  • I will report any suspicious emails, attachments, or links to prevent phishing and malware attacks.
  • I will only use NEC’s digital platforms for learning purposes.
  • I will not install unauthorised software or modify NEC systems in any way.

3. Use of social media and online communication

  • I will not attempt to contact NEC staff or tutors via social media.
  • I will only use NEC-approved communication channels.
  • I will respect NEC’s age-appropriate guidance on which platforms I can use.
  • I understand that all my interactions on NEC systems are monitored for safeguarding purposes.

4. Safe and legal use of online content

  • I will respect copyright laws and not download or share pirated materials.
  • I will check that online information is accurate before sharing or using it for my studies.

5. Reporting concerns and seeking support

If I see anything inappropriate or harmful, I will report it immediately by emailing student.support@nec.ac.uk

If I feel unsafe, I will speak to my parent(s)/carer or a trusted adult.Serious concerns (e.g., online abuse, radicalisation, grooming) will be escalated to CEOP, the police, or social services as required by UK law.

If you have a concern about how NEC is using or monitoring your data, you may submit a formal data protection complaint to student.support@nec.ac.uk.

6. Consequences for violating this agreement

Violation

Minor offences (e.g., inappropriate language)

Potential consequences

Formal warning, content removal

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Violation

Repeated violations

Potential consequences

Restricted access to NEC’s online systems

Violation

Serious breaches (e.g. cyberbullying, hacking, sharing harmful content)

Potential consequences

Permanent ban, referral to external authorities

Violation

Illegal activity (e.g., online grooming, radicalisation, cybercrime)

Potential consequences

Immediate referral to safeguarding authorities and law enforcement

Preparation of this agreement

This agreement was prepared in March 2026. You can download a PDF copy here: NEC Student Acceptable User Agreement (Under 18s) Version 1.0