Safeguarding policy

Last updated: 26 May 2026

Many learners on TutorPool are children. Their safety is our priority. This policy sets out how we protect minors and vulnerable learners, and what we expect from everyone who uses the platform. It forms part of our Terms of Service.

1. Who this protects

A “minor” is anyone under 18. Minors may only use TutorPool through an account created and supervised by a competent parent or legal guardian who has consented to their use of the platform. This policy also extends to any vulnerable adult learner.

2. Tutor screening

• Tutors must verify their identity with a valid government-issued ID before they can be listed.
• Tutors must hold and accurately declare the qualifications shown on their profile.
• Where the subject or context requires it, tutors must hold valid SACE registration.
• We may request additional checks, including a police clearance certificate, before or during a tutor’s time on the platform.

3. Expectations during lessons

• A parent, guardian, or another competent adult should be present or nearby during lessons with a minor, whether online or in person.
• Lessons should take place in an appropriate, open setting — not a tutor’s or learner’s private bedroom, and not behind locked doors.
• Communication between tutors and learners must stay on-platform. Tutors must not solicit private contact details, social media connections, or off-platform arrangements with a minor.
• Tutors must maintain professional boundaries at all times and must never engage in contact that is sexual, romantic, exploitative, discriminatory, or intimidating.
• Gifts, money, or favours must not be exchanged between tutors and minor learners.

4. Prohibited conduct

Regardless of role, the following are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate removal and, where appropriate, reporting to the authorities:

• Any form of child sexual abuse, exploitation, grooming, or the sharing of child sexual abuse material.
• Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse of a learner.
• Attempting to meet a minor privately or off-platform without the guardian’s knowledge and consent.
• Sharing or requesting sexual, violent, or otherwise harmful content with or from a minor.

5. Reporting a concern

If you have any concern about the safety or wellbeing of a learner, report it immediately to safeguarding@tutorpool.co.za. We treat every report seriously and confidentially, and we will act promptly.

If a child is in immediate danger, contact the South African Police Service on 10111 first. You can also reach Childline South Africa on 116 (free, 24 hours).

6. How we respond

• We review every safeguarding report as a priority and may suspend an account while we investigate.
• We cooperate fully with law-enforcement and child-protection authorities.
• Where the law requires it — including our obligations under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 — we report abuse to the relevant authorities.
• We keep a confidential record of reports and actions taken.

7. For parents and guardians

• Set up and manage your child’s account yourself, and keep your login secure.
• Stay present or nearby during lessons and know who your child is learning with.
• Keep communication on the platform so there is a record.
• Talk to your child about what feels comfortable, and report anything that doesn’t.

8. Contact

Safeguarding team: safeguarding@tutorpool.co.za