r/education • u/SteaIthed • 3d ago

School Culture & Policy Is my school allowed to install program-viewing and website blockers on my personal laptop?

This is just a question i have and i would like answers since my school wont give me any. Im currently in the process of purchasing a personal laptop. I asked the school if it was okay for me to handle everything with my laptop. They said this was okay. Now, because its my personal laptop they said it wont be covered under the schools warranty. Which makes sense. But know here comes the confusing part, for me at least. Is my school allowed to put software on my computer without my consent that restricts what i am able to do on it? If i dont use the schools provided devices, or their own network. Do they have the right to make changes to MY personal device?

Reason why im asking is because i plan to use this device after i finish school, and i dont want spyware and restrictions on my own laptop. Especially when trying to install programs ect.

Now i understand this is probably entirely dependent on the schools policy. But i would like a general answer, What most schools do at least.

For your information my school is located in Australia, Queensland, Sunshine Coast

tl;dr Is my school allow to install programs on my personal laptop without my consent?

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u/Training_Record4751 2d ago

Why do you need to use a personal laptop at school? This is asking for trouble. Just use the school device.

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u/GoodSamIAm 2d ago

why does the school need him to use a school laptop and their approved software AFTER school hours ?

That's more the question i am reading from this....

OP, your school is going to sell your information either way , whether or not u even finish school. The first thing my college did was sell my phone number to recruiters and sales people.10 years ago mightve been different ...

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u/Training_Record4751 2d ago

In my state, we have strict student data privacy laws.

Why? Because you're on school wifi at a school sponsored event on school property. Seems pretty obvious to me, frankly.

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u/GoodSamIAm 2d ago

i think those strict state "privacy laws" So many brag about are wet paper bags that beg to be smashed. Try to read them for yourself. The laws are not written favorably for students AT all. Why would it be anyway? Seems like missed opportunity to do some practical teaching

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u/Training_Record4751 2d ago

Sounds good. Regardless... can't use school wifi on a non-school device. Isn't negotiable.

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u/mother-of-pod 2d ago

You are a conspiracy nut talking out your rump. Schools don’t sell data. The privacy laws are not wet paper bags, and schools get sued (successfully) by parents even when third parties with whom the school has no affiliation grab hold of student data. This is why schools have acceptable use policies, and why they care how you’re browsing in the building.

I can guarantee they don’t care, at all, what students do at home/after hours—the only reason they need protection on any device used at school is because they are liable for what happens on their wifi.

My school often advises kids to simply use the school’s device for school, and if they want a better device for personal use/homework at home to go for it. But anything coming into the building needs to be protected.

ETA: also, they aren’t “state laws” about student privacy. FERPA is a federal act. No one in the country is allowed to violate it. Violations happen, sure, but they are very fightable in court.

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u/samudrin 2d ago

OP is in Australia.

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u/SteaIthed 2d ago

Wouldn't be surprised honestly.