1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
These Community Guidelines outline the standards of respectful and responsible behaviour expected from all Students and Teachers using the BridgeLang Platform.
1.2 Scope
These Guidelines apply to all interactions on the Platform, including online lessons, in-person lessons arranged via the Platform, community contributions (e.g., posts, comments, shared materials), communications with BridgeLang staff and any other interactions facilitated through the Platform.
2. Respectful Communication
2.1 Courtesy and Professionalism
All Users must communicate in a respectful and professional manner. Harassment, offensive language, or discriminatory remarks will not be tolerated.
2.2 Constructive Feedback
Feedback should be polite and constructive. Personal attacks or inappropriate criticism of Students or Teachers is strictly prohibited.
2.3 Prohibited Conduct
Hate speech, harassment, threats of violence, sexual or sexually suggestive content, discriminatory slurs, doxxing (sharing private data), and any content reasonably likely to cause distress are strictly prohibited.
3. Inclusivity and Equal Treatment
3.1 Non-Discrimination
BridgeLang promotes inclusivity. Discrimination or exclusion based on nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic is forbidden.
3.2 Cultural Sensitivity
Users must show respect for cultural differences and avoid insensitive comments or behaviour.
4. Lesson Conduct
4.1 Preparedness
Teachers and Students are expected to arrive on time and prepared for each lesson.
4.2 Professional Boundaries
Lessons should remain focused on learning objectives. Personal or inappropriate discussions unrelated to education are not allowed.
4.3 In-Person Lessons
When in-person lessons occur, both Teacher and Student must respect safety and safeguarding measures as outlined in the In-Person Lesson Disclaimer.
4.4 Online Lessons
Online lessons must be conducted with the same level of professionalism and respect as in-person lessons. Students and Teachers are expected to ensure technical readiness, maintain an appropriate environment, protect privacy, and adhere to BridgeLang’s safety and safeguarding standards.
4.5 Recording and Privacy
Recording lessons, taking screenshots, or sharing any portion of a lesson (audio, video, text, or materials) is prohibited without prior explicit consent and only where permitted by law and BridgeLang policies.
4.6 Respect and Conduct
Teachers and Students must not solicit personal favours or gifts, must avoid inappropriate personal discussions, and must maintain professional boundaries at all times.
5. Platform Integrity
5.1 Use of the Platform
Users must not circumvent the Platform to arrange off-Platform payments or lessons.
5.2 Intellectual Property
Users must respect copyright and intellectual property rights when sharing materials.
5.3 Honest Representation
Users must provide accurate information in their profiles and interactions. Misrepresentation of identity, qualifications, or intentions is prohibited.
6. Safety and Safeguarding
6.1 Minors (14–17 Years)
Students aged fourteen (14) to seventeen (17) may only participate with verified parental consent.
6.2 Safeguarding Concerns
Any safeguarding concerns should be reported immediately to contact@bridgelang.co.uk.
6.3 Inappropriate Behaviour
BridgeLang reserves the right to suspend or remove any account involved in harassment, exploitation, or unsafe behaviour.
6.4 No Direct Contact Details
Users—especially when the Student is aged fourteen (14) to seventeen (17)—must not exchange personal contact details (e.g., phone numbers, personal emails, social media handles) and must keep all communications on the Platform.
7. Community Contributions
7.1 Social Media and Content Sharing
Users contributing to BridgeLang’s community spaces (e.g., posts, videos, idioms, or teaching tips) must ensure content is accurate, respectful, and does not infringe third-party rights.
7.2 Moderation
BridgeLang reserves the right to review, edit, or remove contributions that breach these Guidelines or applicable laws.
7.3 No Spam or Unauthorised Promotion
Unsolicited advertising, repetitive self-promotion, link farming, or any behaviour primarily intended to drive traffic off the Platform is not allowed.
7.4 Plagiarism and Attribution
Users must not plagiarise. When sharing third-party materials, ensure you have permission and provide appropriate attribution in line with copyright and intellectual property policies.
8. Enforcement
8.1 Consequences of Breach
Violations of these Guidelines may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from the Platform.
8.2 Appeals
Users may contact contact@bridgelang.co.uk to request a review of enforcement actions.
8.3 Immediate Action
BridgeLang may take immediate action without prior notice for egregious violations (e.g., harassment, threats, child safety risks).
8.4 Enforcement Ladder
Depending on severity and history, actions may include a warning, temporary suspension, or permanent removal from the Platform.
8.5 Appeals and Timelines
Appeals may be submitted to contact@bridgelang.co.uk. BridgeLang will review appeals and aim to respond within ten (10) business days.
9. Updates to These Guidelines
9.1 Policy Changes
BridgeLang may update these Guidelines to reflect changes in practices or applicable laws.
9.2 Notification
Any updates will be posted here with the “Last Updated” date revised accordingly.
10. Related Policies
- 10.1 Terms of Use — Sets out the contractual terms for use of the Platform.
- 10.2 Acceptable Use Policy — Explains prohibited behaviours and use of the Platform.
- 10.3 Privacy Policy — Details how personal data is collected, used, and protected.
- 10.4 Cookie Policy — Explains the use of cookies and tracking technologies.
- 10.5 Refund & Cancellation Policy — Outlines conditions for refunds and cancellations.
- 10.6 Parental Consent Policy — Governs parental approval for users aged fourteen (14) to seventeen (17).
- 10.7 Data Protection Notice (UK GDPR) — Explains compliance with UK GDPR and user rights.
- 10.8 In-Person Lesson Disclaimer — Clarifies responsibilities and risks for lessons held in person.