Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 13 May 2026 · DRAFT — pending legal review

1. Our commitment

Shazly Academy (FZE) is committed to providing a safe and supportive online learning environment for all Students, including minors aged 13–17. This Safeguarding Policy explains how we protect young people from harm, harassment, abuse, and exploitation, and outlines what to do if a safeguarding concern arises.

Our policy is informed by the UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 on Child Rights (the "Wadeema Law"), Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Cybercrimes, and international best practice including the UK's Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Our DSL is responsible for all safeguarding matters. The DSL can be reached at:

• Email: safety@shazlyacademy.com
• Available: every weekday and emergency response within 2 hours

3. Teacher verification

Before any Teacher is permitted to teach a Student through the Shazly Lessons, the following must be completed:

1. Submission of a valid government-issued photo ID;
2. Submission of a valid Certificate of Good Conduct (شهادة حسن السيرة والسلوك) or equivalent criminal-record check from the Teacher's country of residence;
3. Verification of teaching qualifications;
4. Completion of our online safeguarding-training module;
5. Acceptance of the Teacher Code of Conduct and these safeguarding obligations.

Documents are reviewed manually by the DSL or an authorised admin. Teachers are re-verified annually.

4. Recording of all sessions

Every one-to-one Lesson and group class is recorded by the Shazly Lessons. Recordings are:

• Stored securely for at least 90 days;
• Reviewable by the linked Parent through the Parent Dashboard;
• Subject to spot-check audits by the DSL;
• Reviewed in full when a safeguarding concern is reported.

Teachers and Students cannot disable recording. Lessons cannot proceed without recording active.

5. AI-monitored chat

All written messages between Teachers and Students are passed through an automated content filter that detects:

• Phone numbers, emails, and social-media handles (contact-exchange attempts);
• External meeting links;
• Profanity and abusive language;
• Indicators of grooming patterns (as defined by Thorn and IWF guidance).

Flagged messages are held for review by the DSL within 2 hours during business hours. Repeated violations result in suspension or permanent removal of the offending party.

6. Off-platform contact is prohibited

Teachers are strictly prohibited from:

• Sharing personal contact information with Students;
• Communicating with Students outside the Platform;
• Inviting Students to meet in person without Parental supervision and Shazly Lessons approval;
• Arranging private lessons outside the Platform;
• Sending or requesting photographs, recordings, or media outside of the Platform's tools.

7. Reporting a concern

If you witness or suspect:

• Inappropriate behaviour or communication;
• Bullying or harassment;
• Off-platform contact attempts;
• Abuse or risk of harm to a minor;

Report immediately using the "Report a Concern" button visible on every page of the Shazly Lessons, or by emailing safety@shazlyacademy.com.

8. Our response

Upon receiving a report, the DSL will:

1. Acknowledge receipt within 2 hours during business hours, 24 hours otherwise;
2. Investigate confidentially, reviewing relevant recordings and chat logs;
3. Take immediate action where necessary — including suspending accounts, preserving evidence, and notifying the affected Parent;
4. Where appropriate, report to the UAE Ministry of Community Development, Ministry of Interior, or other relevant authorities in line with mandatory-reporting obligations under the Wadeema Law;
5. Provide a written outcome to the reporter within 14 days.

9. Confidentiality and protection of the reporter

Reporters are protected from retaliation. The identity of the reporter will be kept confidential where reasonably possible, except where disclosure is required by law.

10. Training

All Teachers complete a mandatory online safeguarding-training module before their first Lesson and re-certify annually. The DSL receives ongoing specialist training.

11. Policy review

This Policy is reviewed at least annually and after any significant incident. Material changes are notified to all users.

12. Contact

Safeguarding concerns: safety@shazlyacademy.com
For urgent matters involving a child at immediate risk in the UAE, contact the Child Helpline on 800 700 or the police on 999.

Shazly Academy (FZE) · شاذلى اكاديمى (Ù….Ù….Ø­)
Free Zone Establishment licensed by Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Licence No. · Registered office: Block C VL02-047, SRTIP, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Authorised signatory: Abdullah Mohamed Mohamed Elshazly · Established 21 March 2024
Contact: admin@shazlyacademy.com · Safeguarding: safety@shazlyacademy.com