Child Safety

1. Our Commitment to Child Safety

At AlphaTest, operated by Algomix Limited, the safety and wellbeing of children is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a secure, age-appropriate learning environment that protects children from online risks while fostering educational growth and development.

Our platform is specifically designed for children aged 8-13 preparing for 11+ examinations. We comply with all UK child safety legislation, including the Children's Code (Age Appropriate Design Code), Online Safety Act 2023, and work closely with child protection organisations.

2. Content Safety and Moderation

2.1 Age-Appropriate Content

• All educational content is reviewed by qualified teachers and child development experts
• Content difficulty and complexity matched to age groups (8-13 years)
• No inappropriate language, imagery, or themes
• Regular content audits to ensure continued appropriateness
• Clear learning objectives that support curriculum goals

2.2 AI Content Filtering

• Advanced AI systems monitor all generated content in real-time
• Automatic blocking of inappropriate responses or suggestions
• Human oversight of AI tutor interactions
• Regular algorithm updates to improve safety detection
• Zero tolerance for harmful or inappropriate content

3. Digital Wellbeing and Screen Time

We promote healthy digital habits and responsible screen time management:

• Built-in Break Reminders: Regular prompts for children to take breaks
• Session Time Limits: Configurable daily and session time limits
• Progress-Based Learning: Quality over quantity approach to reduce pressure
• Parental Controls: Parents can set and monitor usage limits
• Educational Balance: Encouragement for offline activities and real-world learning
• Sleep Protection: Platform restrictions during recommended sleep hours

4. Privacy and Data Protection

4.1 Data Minimisation

• We collect only the minimum data necessary for educational purposes
• No unnecessary personal information is requested or stored
• Regular data audits to ensure compliance with minimisation principles
• Automatic deletion of outdated or unnecessary data

4.2 Child-Friendly Privacy

• Privacy notices written in child-friendly language
• Visual privacy guides and interactive explanations
• Easy-to-use privacy controls accessible to children
• Regular privacy education integrated into the learning experience

5. Communication and Interaction Safety

5.1 No Direct Communication

• No messaging or chat features between users
• No social media integration or sharing capabilities
• All interactions are with AI tutors only, not other users
• No personal contact information sharing

5.2 AI Interaction Monitoring

• All AI conversations are logged and monitored for safety
• Automatic detection of inappropriate requests or responses
• Human review of flagged interactions
• Immediate intervention protocols for safety concerns

6. Technical Safety Measures

6.1 Secure Platform Design

• End-to-end encryption for all data transmission
• Secure authentication without storing sensitive login data
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Protection against malware and cyber threats
• Safe browsing with no external link redirection

6.2 Access Controls

• Parental verification required for account creation
• Multi-factor authentication for parent accounts
• Limited access to features based on age verification
• Regular access reviews and security updates

7. Parental Involvement and Control

We believe parents and guardians are essential partners in keeping children safe online:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Parents can view their child's activity and progress
• Safety Alerts: Immediate notifications of any safety concerns
• Usage Controls: Set time limits, break schedules, and access restrictions
• Content Oversight: Review learning materials and AI interactions
• Emergency Contacts: Quick access to report concerns or incidents
• Educational Resources: Guides for digital safety conversations with children

8. Incident Response and Reporting

8.1 Reporting Mechanisms

• Easy-to-find "Report" buttons throughout the platform
• Child-friendly reporting process with simple language
• Anonymous reporting options available
• Multiple contact methods (email, phone, online form)
• 24/7 safety team response for urgent concerns

8.2 Response Procedures

• Immediate investigation of all safety reports
• Rapid response team for urgent safety concerns
• Cooperation with law enforcement when required
• Support services for affected children and families
• Follow-up and prevention measures implementation

9. Staff Training and Background Checks

• Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all staff
• Regular child protection training and certification
• Safeguarding awareness training for all team members
• Clear protocols for recognising and responding to child safety concerns
• Regular training updates to reflect latest safety guidance
• Whistleblowing procedures for staff to report concerns

10. Compliance and Partnerships

10.1 Legal Compliance

• Full compliance with the Children's Code (Age Appropriate Design Code)
• Adherence to Online Safety Act 2023 requirements
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 compliance
• Regular legal review of policies and procedures

10.2 Industry Partnerships

• Collaboration with Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
• Partnership with NSPCC for child safety guidance
• Membership in UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS)
• Regular consultation with child safety experts

11. Education and Awareness

We believe education is key to keeping children safe online:

• Digital Citizenship: Teaching responsible online behaviour
• Privacy Awareness: Age-appropriate lessons about personal information
• Critical Thinking: Helping children evaluate online information
• Cyberbullying Prevention: Recognition and response strategies
• Healthy Technology Use: Balanced approach to digital learning
• Parent Resources: Guides for supporting children's online safety at home

12. Continuous Improvement

• Regular safety audits and assessments
• User feedback incorporation into safety measures
• Technology updates to enhance protection
• Research into emerging online safety risks
• Collaboration with academic institutions on child safety research
• Annual publication of safety transparency reports

13. Emergency Contacts and Support

14. Our Promise to Families