Child Protection Guide

Keeping Our Students Safe: A Child Protection Guide for Families and Community

St. Fatima International School is committed to the safety and well-being of every student. Protecting children is a shared responsibility among staff, families, and the wider community. This guide explains what we do, what to watch for, and how to report a concern.

Our Commitments

  • Background checks and fingerprinting for all staff members who work with students
  • Annual training for all staff on recognizing and reporting abuse and neglect
  • Clear professional-conduct and communication policies for adults who work with students
  • Supervision standards for hallways, restrooms, buses, and off-campus events
  • Prompt, fair, and confidential handling of every concern

Types of Harm

  • Physical abuse: injuries or harm caused by a caregiver or other adult
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation: any sexual contact or activity with a child, including online
  • Emotional abuse: ongoing rejection, humiliation, threats, or terrorizing
  • Neglect: failure to provide food, shelter, medical care, supervision, or education
  • Bullying and harassment: repeated harm by peers, in person or online

Signs a Child May Need Help

No single sign proves abuse. Look for changes and patterns.

Physical and Health

Unexplained or repeated injuries, or explanations that don't match the injury Consistently hungry, unclean, or dressed inappropriately for the weather Untreated medical or dental problems

Behavior and Emotions

Sudden changes in mood, grades, attendance, or friendships Fear of a particular person or place, or reluctance to go home Withdrawal, anxiety, aggression, or regression

Online Safety

Online exploitation often begins with friendly contact and builds trust gradually. Families can help by:

  • Keeping devices in shared spaces and agreeing on clear rules together
  • Knowing which apps, games, and platforms your child uses and who they talk to
  • Using privacy settings and parental controls
  • Teaching children that they can tell you about anything uncomfortable without losing their devices or being punished
  • Reminding them that anyone who asks for photos, secrecy, or to move to a private app is a red flag, even if it is someone they know
  • If a child's image has been shared or threatened: do not blame the child. Preserve evidence (screenshots, usernames, dates), do not forward the images, and report it if needed.

How to Talk with Your Child

  • Stay calm. Children notice your reaction.
  • Listen and let them tell it in their own words.
  • Believe them and say: "Thank you for telling me. It's not your fault."
  • Don't promise secrecy. Explain that you might need to involve people who can help keep them safe, if needed.

How to Report a Concern

Email the School Principal immediately info@sfis-abbassia.com and request a meeting as needed.