The Online School UK is committed to creating a safe, calm, and happy learning environment where all students feel comfortable and respected. This policy outlines the expectations for the use of microphones, cameras, and public chat features during lessons. It aims to prevent disruptive behaviour such as spamming, off-topic discussions, bullying, and inappropriate conduct while ensuring that students have the opportunity to learn and participate in a positive atmosphere.

1. Classroom Rules and Behaviour Expectations

Use of Microphone, Camera, and Public Chat

Microphone and Camera: These features are to be used for class participation only when necessary or instructed by the teacher. Any misuse, such as interrupting others or making inappropriate comments, will not be tolerated.

Public Chat: The chat function is a tool for academic discussion and collaboration. Students are expected to use it respectfully, stay on topic, and avoid any form of spamming or off-topic conversations, particularly when asked by the teacher to remain focused on the lesson.

Prohibited Behaviour

The following actions are considered violations of classroom rules and will result in consequences:

Spamming: Sending multiple off-topic messages within a short time span, cluttering the chat.

Off-Topic Discussions: Continuing off-topic discussions after being asked to remain on task.

Sharing Links: Sharing external links without teacher approval.

Inappropriate Conduct: Being rude, mean, or disrespectful to classmates or teachers.

Sharing Private Information: Disclosing personal contact details or any sensitive information.

Using Derogatory or Triggering Language: Using hurtful, offensive, or inappropriate language.

2. Teacher and Happiness Manager Interventions

Initial Warning

Teachers and happiness managers will monitor public chat and microphone usage.

If a student is engaging in any prohibited behaviour, they will receive a kind warning. This warning will be a gentle reminder to respect the rules.

Thumbs-Down and Parent Notification

If the behaviour continues after the initial warning, the student will receive a thumbs down.

An email will be sent to the student’s parents on the first day of the incident, outlining the behaviour and explaining the consequences if the behaviour persists.

Immediate Revocation of Access for Severe Behaviour

For serious infractions, such as persistent rudeness, inappropriate language, or sharing sensitive information, the student’s public chat and microphone access may be immediately revoked without further warning.

The student will be removed from the classroom and re-joined with limited access, and parents will be informed about the situation and its consequences.

3. Consequences for Repeated Misbehaviour

Second Infraction: Public Chat and Microphone Ban

If the student repeats the behaviour (spamming, bullying, going off-topic, etc.), they will have their public chat and microphone access revoked for two days.

During this period, the student will still be allowed to use private chat and participate in polls but will not have access to public chat or microphone features.

Reinstatement of Privileges

To regain these privileges, the student must send a notice to the teacher acknowledging their behaviour, explaining why it was inappropriate, and committing to not repeating the offense.

Subsequent Offenses and Escalation

Third Infraction: The student will face a five-day ban from public chat and microphone use, requiring an acknowledgment letter for reinstatement.

Fourth Infraction: The student will face a two-week ban from public chat and microphone use.

Fifth Infraction: The student will face a half-term ban from these features.

4. Classroom Cooldown Period

Full-Class Cooldown

If the entire class is engaging in disruptive behaviour or going off-topic, happiness managers may initiate a five-minute class cooldown. During this time, students will be given space to calm down and reset.

Teachers will continue teaching while students regroup, ensuring a calm and productive classroom environment.

Allowing Off-Topic Conversations During Breaks

Teachers and happiness managers are encouraged to allow time for off-topic discussions during appropriate periods (e.g., at the beginning, middle, or end of lessons, during brain breaks). This ensures students have an opportunity to socialize and have fun while maintaining the school’s ethos of happiness and emotional safety.

The policy should never feel overly authoritarian, and students should be given opportunities to express themselves in a controlled and positive manner.

Final Step:

Long-Term Consequences

If a student continues to exhibit disruptive behaviour after a half-term ban, they will only be allowed to attend lessons without public chat or microphone privileges.

Reinstatement of these privileges will require a detailed letter of apology, reflecting on their behaviour and explaining steps to prevent recurrence.

6. Parent Communication and Notification

Any decision to revoke chat or microphone access will be communicated to the student’s parents or guardians.

Parents will receive an apology from the school, explaining that while efforts were made to prevent the disruption, the persistent nature of their child’s behavior required the revocation of access.