Safety policy

How we keep kids safe

Every adult who works with Brightpeer kids follows these rules, with no exceptions. Every family reads this before enrolling, and every mentor signs it before their first session.

Who works with kids

  • Every mentor is interviewed, reference-checked and background-checked before they're matched with a pod. Our founder, Eshan Ali, was background-checked in January 2026, and the record is on file.
  • Every mentor is trained on running small groups, boundaries, and what to do if a concern comes up.
  • Breaking this policy ends a mentor's work with Brightpeer.

Session rules

A mentor is never alone and unobserved with a child. Every call is recorded, and a parent is always nearby.

  • Group sessions (45 minutes): recorded start to finish. A parent is home and can drop in anytime.
  • One-on-one check-ins (15 minutes): scheduled with the parent, never the child. The parent says hello on camera at the start and stays home and within earshot. No parent hello means no call. Recorded.

Communication

  • Mentors talk to kids only during scheduled, recorded Brightpeer calls.
  • Parents can text the mentor anytime. Kids' questions come through their parent.
  • Mentors never text, call, email, DM, friend or follow a child on any app, social network or game.
  • No personal contact info shared with kids. No gifts, no in-person meetings, no secrets.
  • If a child reaches out directly, the mentor doesn't reply and tells the parent the same day.

Video settings on every call

  • A private link per pod, sent only to parents' email
  • Waiting room on; only kids on the roster are admitted; meeting locked once everyone's in
  • Private chat between kids turned off; screen sharing for the mentor only
  • Mentors use a Brightpeer account, never a personal one

Recordings and privacy

  • Recordings stay in Brightpeer's account and are never downloaded to personal devices.
  • Only the founder can access them. Parents can watch any recording their child is in.
  • Recordings are deleted 30 days after the program ends, unless they relate to an open concern.
  • We collect information from parents, not from kids, and only what we need. We never sell it.
  • No child's name, face, voice or words are ever used publicly without separate written permission.

If something comes up

  • Behavior: structure first (turns, roles, a group agreement), then a private word, then a call with the parent, then a pod change or refund. Mentors never shame or single out a child.
  • Wellbeing concerns: the parent hears about it the same day. Mentors aren't counselors, and we'll point families to professional support.
  • If a child discloses harm: the mentor listens, doesn't promise secrecy, writes down what was said and tells the founder immediately. We report to child protective services within 24 hours, as the law requires, and call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
  • Emergencies on a call: we call the parent's emergency number right away, and 911 if needed.

Questions or concerns

Email hello@brightpeer.org or text Eshan directly. You'll hear back within 24 hours. This policy is reviewed before every new cohort.