School Laptop Monitoring: What You Need to Know

TL;DR

Yes, your school can likely monitor what you do on a school-issued laptop. They usually have software installed that tracks activity for security and appropriate use. Knowing their policies is key.

Understanding School Laptop Monitoring

Schools provide laptops to help with learning, but they also need to ensure those devices are used safely and responsibly. This often means monitoring what happens on them. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and what you should know:

1. What Can Schools Monitor?

1. Web History: Schools can see the websites you visit.
2. Applications Used: They can track which programs you open and use.
3. Files Accessed/Downloaded: Monitoring what files you look at, save, or download is common.
4. Keystrokes (Sometimes): Some schools use keylogging software to record what you type, but this is less frequent due to privacy concerns.
5. Location (If Enabled): If the laptop has location services turned on, they can track its physical whereabouts.
6. Email and Messaging: School-provided email accounts are almost always monitored. Some messaging apps may also be tracked if used through school systems.
7. Camera & Microphone Access: Schools might log when the camera or microphone is in use.

2. How Do They Monitor?

Schools typically use one or more of these methods:

• Monitoring Software: This is the most common approach. Programs like Securly, GoGuardian, or Lightspeed Systems are installed on the laptop and run in the background.
• Network Monitoring: Schools can track internet traffic going to and from the laptop through their Wi-Fi network.
• Device Management Software: Tools like Microsoft Intune or Jamf Pro allow schools to remotely manage laptops, including installing software and tracking activity.

Here’s an example of how a school might use a command to check installed applications (this is for informational purposes only; you likely won’t have access to run this on your school laptop):

wmic product get name

3. Is It Legal?

Generally, yes. Schools have a legitimate interest in protecting their network and ensuring students use devices appropriately. However, there are limits:

• Privacy Policies: Schools should have clear policies outlining what they monitor and how the data is used.
• Reasonable Expectation of Privacy: Monitoring shouldn’t be excessive or intrusive.
• Compliance with Laws: Schools must comply with relevant privacy laws (like GDPR if applicable).

4. What Should You Do?

1. Read the School’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP): This document details what you can and cannot do on school devices, including monitoring practices. This is the most important step!
2. Use Personal Devices for Personal Activities: Avoid doing anything private on your school laptop that you wouldn’t want others to see.
3. Be Aware of School Rules: Follow all school guidelines regarding internet usage, software installation, and file sharing.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice something unusual or believe your privacy is being violated, report it to a trusted teacher or administrator.

5. Can You Tell if You’re Being Monitored?

It’s often difficult to know for sure. Monitoring software usually runs silently in the background. However, you might notice:

• Slow Performance: Some monitoring software can slow down your laptop.
• Extra Icons or Programs: Look for unfamiliar icons in the system tray (the area near the clock).
• Browser Extensions: Check your browser extensions for anything you didn’t install yourself.

Note: Attempting to disable or bypass monitoring software is usually a violation of school policy and could result in disciplinary action.