Online safety and etiquette

For parents and carers

At Immanuel Online School we are committed to creating a safe, Christ-centred online community where children and young people can learn, grow and build friendships. Online safety and etiquette are a vital part of this – not only for what happens during live tutorials, but also in Live Lounges, clubs and societies, and in any form of chat or messaging.

We also recognise that many friendship groups naturally continue beyond our platform – for example in WhatsApp groups, group texts, gaming chats or other spaces which are outside IOS and not monitored by us. We want to encourage parents to talk these things through with their children so that the same standards of kindness, wisdom and Christian character are carried into every online space.

Please encourage your child to pause, think twice – and then think again – before posting in a forum, chat room, Live Lounge, club or private message. Keep all communication appropriate, respectful and in keeping with our shared Christian values.

Our expectations are shaped by guidance from organisations such as the BBC and the UK Government on online safety, together with safeguarding best practice in Christian schools.

Live Lounges are designed to be safe, welcoming spaces where students can relax, get to know one another and build healthy friendships in a supervised environment. They are an opportunity to talk, laugh, share interests and encourage one another – not simply extra screen time.

• Live Lounges should be inclusive: activities and conversations should help everyone feel able to join in, not leave some students on the side-lines.
• We ask that students do not spend the whole time simply playing games, especially games that only a few can join, as this can exclude others and prevent genuine conversation.
• Where possible, class captains and student leaders can help set a topic to discuss, run a quiz, share testimonies, talk about current learning or suggest an activity that everyone can do together.
• Any links, videos, music, games or suggestions shared should be age-appropriate, wholesome and in line with Christian values. Please avoid posting content that some families might find troubling, unhelpful or inappropriate.
• Students should be respectful of one another’s convictions and family boundaries around technology, what they watch or play, and how they use online spaces.

Ultimately, parents and carers remain responsible for monitoring their child’s participation in Live Lounges. We encourage you to check in with your child, ask how they are finding these spaces and talk about how Live Lounges can be used positively – for example by working on projects together, finding common ground, praying for one another and talking sensibly about life and faith.

We are thankful for the many good stories and testimonies that have already come from Live Lounges, and we want to keep them open as a blessing to our community. If anything concerning, unkind or unsavoury is seen or experienced, we ask that it is reported to us promptly so that we can respond appropriately.

Our clubs, societies and enrichment activities are a wonderful way for students to explore interests, develop gifts and build friendships beyond the formal timetable. As a Christian online school, we expect conduct in these spaces to mirror the tone of our lessons and wider community.

• Treat tutors, leaders and fellow students with kindness and respect at all times – both on microphone and in the chat.
• Keep contributions encouraging, wholesome and appropriate. No mocking, gossip, in-jokes that leave others out, or content that goes against the Christian ethos of the school.
• Only share links, images, videos or resources that you would be comfortable for all parents, staff and students to see, and that you are confident honour Christ.
• Follow safeguarding guidance on cameras, microphones and backgrounds, and follow any additional instructions given by the tutor or club leader.

Messaging – whether in-class chat, forums, group chats or private messages – is a powerful tool. Used well, it can encourage, support and build others up. Used carelessly, it can quickly become hurtful, unkind or unsafe.

• Use chat and messaging to encourage, ask helpful questions and share learning, not to gossip, exclude others or complain about people.
• Remember that tone can be hard to read online – what feels like a joke to one person can feel like bullying to another. When in doubt, choose kindness or leave it unsent.
• Do not share personal information, unkind comments, inappropriate images or anything that you would not be happy for a parent, pastor or teacher to see.
• Be especially careful in external group chats (such as WhatsApp or gaming chats) which are outside IOS and not monitored by us. The same Christian standards of honesty, purity, respect and self-control still apply there.

If your child is added to, or creates, group chats separate from IOS, we encourage parents to supervise these where appropriate, discuss expectations clearly and agree together what is and is not acceptable.

New technologies – including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools – can be extremely helpful for learning when used wisely. They can also be misused in ways that are dishonest, unsafe or unhelpful for a student’s growth in character.

• AI tools must never be used to cheat or to present work as your own that you have not understood or engaged with.
• Where AI has genuinely helped you, be honest about this and follow any subject-specific guidance from your tutors about referencing or appropriate use.
• Do not share sensitive personal information with AI tools, and be cautious about advice you receive – always measure it against Scripture, wisdom from parents and teachers, and reliable sources.
• Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children when and how AI may be used as part of schoolwork, and to agree clear family boundaries.

Live tutorials are at the heart of our learning model. They are more than online lessons: they are places of Christian fellowship, serious study and mutual encouragement. The way students behave and communicate in these sessions should reflect that.

• Join on time, prepared and ready to learn. Follow your tutor’s instructions about cameras, microphones and how to use the chat function.
• Use language that is respectful, courteous and uplifting. No sarcasm, name-calling, unkind teasing or inappropriate humour.
• Be mindful of your background, clothing and behaviour on camera, remembering that this is a Christian educational environment.
• Do not record or screenshot other students or staff without explicit permission. Respect privacy and safeguarding guidance at all times.

Parents play a key role in helping students establish good routines for live tutorials – including where they sit, how they present themselves and how they respond when lessons feel challenging. These conversations at home make a significant difference.

Our core policies set out in more detail how online safety, behaviour, testing and the use of AI are handled across Immanuel Online School. We kindly ask parents and students to read these documents together.

The following external resources may be helpful as you continue conversations about online safety and etiquette at home. These are provided for information; please always use your own judgement and discernment.