ST4S: What It Means and Why It Matters to You

The New Zealand Ministry of Education strongly recommends that schools use Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) to ensure their chosen SMS complies with essential security and privacy standards.

Understanding Safer Technologies for Schools (ST4S) is crucial for all principals and Boards of Trustees, as it directly influences the security and privacy of student data—one of your most critical responsibilities!

What ST4S Means

ST4S is a robust framework designed to assess the privacy and security of digital products and services, including Student Management Systems (SMS).

Developed in collaboration with education sectors across New Zealand and Australia, ST4S provides schools with the tools needed to make informed decisions about the technology they use.

The framework categorises software into risk levels (low, medium, or high) based on how well they meet stringent security and privacy standards. Products that comply with these standards can earn an ST4S badge, indicating their reliability and commitment to safeguarding data.

Why You Should Care

• Data Security: As a principal, safeguarding the sensitive personal information of students, staff, and parents is paramount. Software assessed through ST4S ensures that this data is securely stored and managed, significantly reducing the risk of breaches.
• Informed Decision-Making: ST4S provides clear, consistent reports on the privacy and security performance of digital products. These insights empower you to make well-informed decisions when selecting or renewing software contracts for your school.
• Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Choosing software that meets ST4S standards helps your school comply with national regulations and mitigates potential legal and reputational risks associated with data breaches.

Engaging with ST4S ensures that your school uses technology that is safe, secure, and aligned with the Ministry of Education’s expectations, ultimately protecting your students and school community.

Schools should prioritise selecting an SMS that has undergone ST4S assessment and holds the St4S badge, confirming it meets the necessary standards. Detailed reports are accessible through the ST4S portal, and schools are advised to incorporate these assessments into their decision-making process.

As of October 2024, Hero is currently the only SMS available to New Zealand schools that meets the requirements of ST4S.