Online Safety and Conduct Policy

The Online Safety and Conduct Policy outlines the expectations and rules for behavior during online tutoring sessions at Hearken Tutors. This policy aims to create a safe, professional, and respectful environment for both tutors and students, ensuring that online interactions are effective and conducive to learning.

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Regulations:
 

a) Approved Online Platform:

• Mandatory Use: Tutors and students must use only the company-approved online platform for all lessons. This ensures the security and integrity of the tutoring sessions and allows for proper monitoring and support.

• Access and Training: Both tutors and students will receive the necessary access credentials and training to use the approved platform effectively. Technical support will be available to resolve any issues that may arise.

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b) Sharing Personal Contact Details:

• Strict Prohibition: Sharing personal contact details such as phone numbers, email addresses, or social media profiles between tutors and students is strictly prohibited. This rule helps maintain professional boundaries and protects the privacy of both parties.

• Company Communication Channels: All communications between tutors and students must occur through company-approved channels. This policy ensures that all interactions are documented and can be reviewed if necessary.

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c) Appropriate Background Environment:

• Professional Setting: Tutors must ensure that their background environment is appropriate and professional during online sessions. This includes a clean, quiet, and well-lit area free from distractions.

• Virtual Backgrounds: If using a virtual background, it should be plain and non-distracting. Tutors should avoid backgrounds that display personal or unprofessional content.

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d) Language and Behavior:

• Respectful Communication: Inappropriate language or behavior from either tutors or students will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to, offensive, discriminatory, or disrespectful remarks.

• Immediate Reporting: Any instances of inappropriate behavior must be reported immediately. Tutors should report student behavior to management, and students or parents should report tutor behavior through the company's official channels.

• Disciplinary Actions: Violations of this rule may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination of the tutoring relationship.
   

e) Professional Attire:

• Dress Code: Tutors must be dressed professionally for all online sessions. This includes wearing appropriate attire that reflects the professional standards of Hearken Tutors.

• Consistency: The dress code should be adhered to consistently, regardless of the time or duration of the session. Professional attire contributes to a respectful and focused learning environment.
   

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Implementation and Compliance:
 

Training and Awareness:

• Initial Training: All tutors will receive training on this policy during their onboarding process. This training will cover the expectations and regulations in detail.

• Ongoing Training: Regular refresher sessions will be conducted to reinforce the importance of online safety and conduct. Any updates to the policy will be communicated promptly.
   

Monitoring and Support:

• Session Monitoring: Management may periodically monitor online sessions to ensure compliance with this policy. Monitoring will be conducted discreetly to maintain the natural flow of lessons.

• Technical Support: Technical support will be available to assist with any platform-related issues, ensuring that sessions run smoothly and without interruption.
   

Reporting Mechanisms:

• Incident Reporting: A clear and confidential process for reporting inappropriate behavior or breaches of this policy will be established. Both tutors and students will be informed about how to use this process.

• Follow-up Actions: Reports will be investigated promptly, and appropriate actions will be taken to address any issues. Feedback will be provided to the reporting party to ensure transparency.
  
   

Responsibilities:
 

Management:

• Policy Oversight: Responsible for overseeing the implementation and adherence to this policy. This includes providing necessary training, support, and disciplinary actions as needed.

• Feedback Mechanism: Establishing a feedback mechanism to continuously improve the policy and address any concerns raised by tutors, students, or parents.
   

Tutors:

• Adherence: Tutors are expected to strictly adhere to this policy and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and standards of Hearken Tutors.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a professional demeanor, including appropriate background settings and attire, and using the approved platform for all sessions.
   

Students and Parents:

• Respect and Compliance: Students and parents are expected to respect the rules outlined in this policy and ensure that the student's behavior aligns with the expectations of a safe and productive learning environment.

• Reporting Concerns: Reporting any concerns or incidents of inappropriate behavior through the established channels to ensure timely and appropriate resolution.
  
   

Conclusion:
 

Hearken Tutors is committed to providing a safe and professional online tutoring environment. By adhering to this Online Safety and Conduct Policy, we aim to foster a respectful, effective, and enjoyable learning experience for all participants. This policy requires the cooperation of management, tutors, students, and parents to be successful.
 

We welcome any questions or feedback regarding this policy and encourage open communication to continuously enhance our online tutoring services. Thank you for your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and conduct at Hearken Tutors.