Child Protection Policy

MY English Gym is fully committed to safeguarding all children and young learners who interact with our platform. This policy outlines the principles, practices, and procedures in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and secure online learning environment for students under the age of 18.

1. Policy Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All children and young people enrolled in our courses (under 18 years old)
  • All employees, teachers, contractors, volunteers, and third-party providers working with My English Gym
  • All activities and interactions conducted online (live classes, feedback sessions, messaging platforms, and learning portals)

2. Our Commitment

MY English Gym is committed to:

  • Promoting the best interests and welfare of every child
  • Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment
  • Preventing all forms of abuse, exploitation, and harm
  • Responding promptly to all child protection concerns
  • Complying with all local laws and international child protection standards

3. Definition of a Child

In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is defined as any individual under the age of 18, unless under applicable law the age of majority is attained earlier.

4. Code of Conduct for Staff and Educators

All MY English Gym personnel must:

  • Treat every child with dignity and respect
  • Avoid any form of discrimination, favoritism, or inappropriate behavior
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times (no private contact on personal platforms)
  • Never engage in one-on-one private video calls with minors unless pre-approved and logged by management
  • Ensure appropriate dress and language when teaching online
  • Ensure parental or guardian consent has been obtained before engaging with minors
  • Report any suspicion of abuse or policy violations immediately to the Child Protection Officer

5. Online Learning Safeguards

We ensure:

  • Live classes are moderated or recorded when possible for safety and accountability
  • Parental controls and permissions are required at registration
  • Clear rules of participation and digital etiquette are explained to all students
  • No private student-to-student or teacher-to-student chat that bypasses institutional oversight
  • Staff training in digital safeguarding and reporting procedures is conducted regularly
  • Learners are discouraged from sharing personal information (full name, location, contact details) publicly in chat or class.

6. Parental and Guardian Involvement

  • Parental consent is required for all enrollments of minors
  • Parents/guardians are encouraged to:
    • Monitor participation in online classes
    • Ensure students have a safe and quiet study space
    • Communicate with us regarding any concern or feedback
  • Parents can request access to recordings or teacher communications involving their child

7. Recognizing and Reporting Abuse

My English Gym defines abuse as including, but not limited to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse or grooming (including online exploitation)
  • Neglect
  • Cyberbullying or harassment

Staff must:

  • Stay alert for warning signs (sudden behavior changes, unusual absence, inappropriate comments, etc.)
  • Report concerns immediately to the Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO) at: protection@myenglishgym.org

Reports are treated confidentially and investigated with sensitivity and in line with applicable laws.

8. Recruitment and Training of Staff

  • All personnel working with minors must undergo background checks and identity verification
  • All staff must complete mandatory child protection and online safety training
  • Teachers and admins must agree to and sign the MY English Gym Child Safety Code of Conduct

9. Policy Review and Transparency

  • This policy is reviewed annually or as needed following any significant incident or change in legal obligations.
  • Updates are communicated to staff, parents, and stakeholders via email and the official website.
  • A copy of this policy is publicly available at: www.myenglishgym.org/child-protection

10. Contact

For questions, concerns, or to report a safeguarding issue:
protection@myenglishgym.org
+84-093.493.9540
Designated Child Protection Officer: Dr. Bradley A. Corbett, Ph.D. (Education)

11. References & Alignment

This policy aligns with:

  • UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989)
  • UNESCO ICT Competency Standards for Teachers (2018)
  • Keeping Children Safe: Child Safeguarding Standards (UK)
  • Vietnamese Law on Children (2016)
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – principles adapted for minors