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Safer technology for schools (ST4S) helps by providing insights into the privacy and security controls of educational software.
What ST4S is#
Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) is an initiative designed to create a standardised approach to evaluating digital products used in Australia and New Zealand.
While ST4S does not endorse specific products, the reports can help you choose software that prioritises your school’s security and privacy needs.
How ST4S works#
Software suppliers undergo an assessment, answering questions on security, privacy and safety, as well as how their products manage and protect data.
Products which meet the minimum standards receive a risk rating and a detailed assessment report. The assessment status and results are available in the ST4S catalogue.
Products with a low-risk or medium-risk rating that meet additional criteria may also apply and display an ST4S badge, signalling that their product has been assessed. Absence of a badge does not necessarily mean that a product has not been assessed. Refer to the ST4S catalogue for the full list of ST4S-assessed products.
What ST4S reports include#
ST4S reports give you clear and consistent information about software products and how they align with privacy and security standards.
The reports cover:
- the types of personal information the software collects
- how well the software performs against privacy and security standards
- features that help keep students safe when using the products, including with any use of artificial intelligence (AI) features
- specific recommendations on how to reduce risks.
They are designed to help you make informed choices, save you time and give you peace of mind.
Each report also gives you practical advice so you can take steps to better protect your school's data.
How to access ST4S information #
ST4S catalogue#
You can access ST4S assessment information in the ST4S catalogue. It offers a searchable, filterable list of ST4S assessed and unassessed products.
State and state-integrated schools#
State and state-integrated schools can log in through ESL.
Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) Catalogue | Applications & Online Systems
Private and charter schools#
Private and charter schools registration
List of badged products#
Anyone can find a list of ST4S-badged products on the ST4S website
Verify a badge – Safer Technologies 4 Schools
Support#
For support contact us at: [email protected]
What products are covered#
ST4S focuses on cloud-based and hosted software products used in schools and kura, particularly those used by students or containing student information.
It does not cover hardware or software installed and managed by schools themselves.
More information on exclusions from Safer Technologies 4 Schools FAQs
More products are added regularly, as they complete the certification process.
Help us identify new products for assessment#
If your school is considering or already using software that has not had an ST4S assessment, or is listed as non-participating, let us know. We can encourage suppliers complete the ST4S assessment, but we need your help in identifying and prioritising products.
Email us to register your interest in specific software products.
Email: [email protected]
