Oswego SD308 will implement new policy next month regarding district-issued devices

Oswego School District 308 students using district-issued devices won’t have access to their personal accounts when they return from winter break next month.

The new policy, which takes effect Jan. 1, is an effort by the district to reduce the chance of online threats and to help students focus on their school work. Students will go on winter break starting Dec. 23 and will return to school on Jan. 7.

“Currently, students have access to their personal accounts on district devices,” Dist. 308 Schools Executive Director John Francis said in a letter to parents/guardians and students about the policy change. “While this allows for flexibility and personalization, it presents some challenges.”

Those challenges include lack of district oversight and the potential for inappropriate use, he said.

“District-wide safety measures, such as filters and monitoring tools, do not extend to personal accounts,” Francis noted. “Students may use personal accounts for gaming, chatting or accessing inappropriate content, which can pose significant risks.”

Starting Jan. 1, students will no longer be able to access their personal accounts on school-issued devices. Francis said he hopes the change will help students focus more on learning during the school day and improve safety.

“By limiting access to personal accounts, we can better protect students from online threats and inappropriate content,” he said.

Those with questions or concerns can email Francis at jfrancis@sd308.org.