Child Safeguarding Policy

Effective and Last Updated: July 15, 2026

1. Commitment

SMIK-Af places the best interests, dignity, privacy, participation, and safety of children at the centre of platform decisions. This Policy supports, but does not replace, each school's safeguarding policy and national reporting duties.

2. Prohibited Conduct

Child abuse, sexual exploitation, grooming, trafficking, coercion, violent threats, degrading treatment, bullying, discriminatory abuse, harmful exposure of personal information, and retaliation against reporters are prohibited.

3. Responsibilities

Schools must appoint safeguarding contacts, vet and train personnel where required, control roles, supervise school communities, respond to reports, preserve evidence lawfully, and notify competent authorities. Users must report credible concerns and must not conduct unsafe personal investigations.

4. Platform Response

SMIK-Af may restrict access, preserve relevant records, escalate to the school, contact emergency or statutory authorities, and cooperate with lawful investigations. Information is shared on a need-to-know basis, considering confidentiality, due process, and immediate safety.

5. Reporting

Use school safeguarding channels or available reporting tools. For immediate danger, contact local emergency services or child-protection authorities first. Platform reports may be sent to office.smikaf@gmail.com without attaching unlawful sexual content or unnecessary sensitive records.

6. Fairness and Support

Reports are handled without unlawful discrimination. Children capable of expressing views should be heard appropriately. Confidentiality cannot be promised where disclosure is needed to protect a child or comply with law. Schools should provide appropriate support to affected children and avoid retaliation.

7. Review

Safeguarding risks, moderation, permissions, and incident patterns should be reviewed regularly and after serious incidents or material product changes.