Online classes safety guide for parents: privacy, payments and screen time

Online classes give children access to good teachers wherever they live. They also bring new questions about privacy, strangers, payments and screens. The good news is that a few simple rules make them very safe. Here is what to set up, what to teach your child and what to watch for.

Set up the space

• A shared, visible spot. Use the living room or a study corner where an adult can see and hear, rather than a closed bedroom.
• A tidy background. Nothing with personal details, such as documents or school names, visible behind the child.
• Good internet and a charged device. Fewer interruptions mean fewer reasons to move around or use other apps.
• Headphones and a water bottle. For better focus and fewer distractions.
• Camera positioned correctly. Facing the child's face and desk, not the room.

Privacy rules for children

Teach these, and repeat them until they are automatic.

1. Do not share personal details such as home address, school name, phone number or photos with anyone online, unless a parent agrees.
2. Use the first name only if the platform allows.
3. Join only the links a parent has approved. Never click links from strangers.
4. Do not share passwords, PINs or OTPs with anyone, ever, including teachers.
5. Do not accept chats or friend requests from the teacher or other students on personal social media. Stay on the agreed platform.
6. Tell a parent immediately if anything feels uncomfortable. They will not be in trouble.

Parent checklist before the first class

• Read how the class is run, who is in it, and how long it lasts.
• Join the first session, and listen in sometimes afterwards.
• Check whether classes are recorded, who keeps the recording and for how long. Ask before agreeing.
• Keep all communication with the teacher on the agreed channel.
• Make sure the teacher has your contact details for scheduling, and not the child's personal accounts.

Safe payments

• Never share your UPI PIN, card PIN, CVV or OTP with anyone, even someone who says they are from the class provider.
• Pay only against a clear invoice that states what you are paying for, the amount and the dates.
• Avoid large advance payments. Prefer paying in smaller periods, so you can stop if the class is not right.
• Keep receipts and screenshots of what was agreed.
• Check the payee name before you confirm a UPI payment, and never approve a "collect request" you did not expect.
• Do not let children handle payments without supervision.

Screen time and eye care

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Keep the screen at arm's length and slightly below eye level.
• Take a real break between classes: stretch, walk, drink water.
• Cap the total. Count school, class and leisure screens together and plan offline time every day.
• Keep screens out of bedtime. Sleep matters for learning more than extra revision.

Warning signs

Pay attention if your child:

• becomes secretive about the class or the device,
• is asked to keep chats secret from parents,
• is asked for photos, personal details or contact on other apps,
• seems anxious before class,
• or receives gifts or money offers from the teacher.

If you notice any of these, stop the class, talk with your child calmly and report the matter.

If something goes wrong

• Talk to your child first. Stay calm and supportive, and make it clear they did nothing wrong.
• Save evidence: screenshots, chat records and payment details.
• Report to the provider in writing and ask for a response.
• Report serious matters: you can use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call the cyber-crime helpline 1930. For a child who needs help, Childline is 1098. Check the official sites for current details.

How we approach it

We confirm the teacher, the schedule and the first session with you before anything is booked. Parents are welcome to sit in. We ask families never to share PINs or OTPs with anyone, including us. See how we match teachers on our subjects page.

Common questions

Is it safe for my child to attend online classes?

Yes, with sensible rules: a visible study space, approved links, no sharing of personal details and parents who stay involved.

Should I sit in on classes?

For young children, yes, at least at first. For older children, listen in sometimes and keep the study spot visible.

How much screen time is too much?

There is no single number. Count all screens together, take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes and keep time for play, sleep and family.

Can a teacher ask for my child's phone number or social media?

It is best to keep all contact on the agreed platform. If a teacher asks for personal contact or secrecy, stop and report it.

What should I do if I think something is wrong?

Talk calmly with your child, save evidence, stop the class and report to the provider. For serious cases, use the official reporting channels.

This guide is general information. For exams, follow your school, teacher and official exam board, and use your own judgement about what suits your child.