Wellbeing, Safeguarding and Online Safety
Wellbeing at Home
Children’s wellbeing and sense of belonging matter as much as their progress. During distance learning we keep in close contact with every child:
- in Pre-Prep, through daily live sessions, a weekly one-to-one family check-in and The Good Morning Club
- in Prep, through daily live lessons, a weekly assembly and The Good Morning Club
- in Senior School, through 8 before 8 and PDT with Personal Tutors every day
- for Students of Determination, through regular check-ins with the Elevate team
Our School Counsellor, Rachel Stevenson, remains available throughout, at rstevenson@qedubaisportscity.com. If your child seems anxious, withdrawn or unsettled, please tell their class teacher or tutor. You do not need to wait until something feels serious.
Safeguarding Online
Safeguarding during distance learning mirrors the standards expected in school, and all safeguarding policies apply equally. In particular:
- staff use only approved school accounts and platforms
- staff use blurred or approved QE Dubai Sports City backgrounds
- all lessons are scheduled, and any online lesson can be joined by another colleague
- messages between staff and students take place only on approved platforms
- students must never record, photograph or share a call
Online Calls with QE Staff
Online lessons, tutorials and support calls are an extension of the school environment. The same standards of behaviour, appearance and respect apply. Students should:
- join from an appropriate space, such as a living room, study area or desk, and never from a bed, bathroom or other private setting
- be appropriately dressed, in uniform or PE kit where requested
- use their school account, with their correct name displayed
- have their camera on when requested, unless there is an agreed reason
- use a neutral or approved virtual background
- be punctual and prepared, with work and resources ready
- remove distractions: no gaming, television, messaging friends or a second device
- be aware of who may be visible or audible in the background
- use appropriate language and the same respect shown to staff in school
- never share meeting links with anyone who has not been invited
Supporting calls at home
Parents do not need to supervise every online conversation, but where possible, calls should take place in a shared or accessible area of the home; you should know when your child is in a school call; and devices should be positioned appropriately with suitable backgrounds.
Digital Citizenship at Home
Digital citizenship is about using technology safely, responsibly and respectfully. It works best when school and home work together. We encourage regular, open conversations about your child’s digital life, and clear family expectations around:
- screen time and healthy technology habits
- appropriate apps, games, websites and social media
- privacy, security and sharing personal information or photographs
- who your child communicates with online
- when and where devices are used, including at night and in bedrooms
You can also model good habits: devices away during meals and conversations, respectful communication online and regular breaks from screens.
Filtering and Monitoring
Securus software is installed on every QE student device, providing an additional layer of protection. It filters inappropriate and harmful content, helps identify concerning activity or searches, and helps the school respond to potential safeguarding and wellbeing concerns.
Filtering does not replace conversations about responsible technology use. Students can always seek support from their Personal Tutor, the Safeguarding Team or another trusted member of staff, by email or Teams.
Parents’ Responsibilities Under UAE Law
Federal Decree by Law No. (26) of 2025 addresses harmful online behaviours affecting children and sets out responsibilities for parents and carers. In summary, caregivers must:
Supervise
Monitor children’s online activity and use parental controls to prevent access to harmful content, while respecting age-appropriate independence.
Choose suitable platforms
Do not create accounts for children on unsuitable platforms or those without enhanced child protection, or let children share others’ accounts or view age-inappropriate content.
Protect from exploitation
Never display or promote a child online in a way that violates their privacy or dignity, harms their wellbeing or exposes them to bullying.
Protect personal data
Comply with requirements on children’s privacy and personal data under the Decree-Law and other legislation.
Educate
Teach children about safe use of devices and platforms, and the risks of excessive or unsafe use.
Report
Report harmful content to the relevant authorities immediately if a child is exposed to it, and meet any additional duties under the Decree-Law.
Creating, sharing or engaging with online content that defames, slanders or cyberbullies others contravenes the UAE Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021), UAE defamation laws and Federal Decree by Law No. (26) of 2025.
This is a summary for guidance only. Please refer to the legislation itself for the full requirements.