Frequently asked questions

#Learning

#Does TutorCat just give my child the answer?

No. The tutor breaks each problem into steps and shows one at a time. The full answer unlocks only after your child has opened a step and either asked a follow-up or tapped Got it ✓ on a step. If they ask too early, the tutor nudges them back to the steps. The lock is checked on TutorCat's server, so it cannot be skipped from the device.

#What ages and subjects does it cover?

Grades 3 to 12, roughly ages 8 to 18. The subject chips are Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry and English, and + Other covers anything else. Grades 3 to 5 see bigger, simpler screens with tiles for Maths, Science, Reading and The world.

#What is the whiteboard?

When your child asks the tutor to explain something, it can answer as an animated handwritten board that is read aloud with captions. It is the same lesson as a chat reply, only drawn. The child can pause it, replay it, tap a part to hear it again, save it as a picture, or switch to plain text. For homework the board shows the method, and the answer still has to be earned. The same safety and privacy rules apply, and parents see the text version in the transcript.

#Can my child send a photo or ask out loud?

Yes, they can take or choose a photo of their homework with the camera button. Voice questions work where voice is turned on. For now, voice is switched off for children below their country's consent age, and the microphone is not shown to them.

#Is my child's voice recorded?

The recording is turned into text so the tutor can read it, and then discarded. TutorCat never stores the recording. The text appears in the box first, so your child can check it before sending.

#What if the tutor gets something wrong?

It can happen: the tutor is an AI. Encourage your child to check important answers with their teacher or textbook. Please tell us about wrong answers with Feedback, because it helps us improve.

#Parents and consent

#Does my child need my permission?

If they are below the consent age in your country, yes. That is 13 in the US, the UK and Pakistan, between 13 and 16 across the EU, and 16 anywhere TutorCat does not have a rule for. Your child cannot use TutorCat beyond the sign-up screens until a parent says yes.

#Can I read my child's conversations?

Yes. Once you have given consent, you can read a summary of every session and the full transcript, see wellbeing check-ins including notes, and see screen time and progress. Your child is told this on the screens they use.

#Is there anything I can't see?

One thing. If your child writes something that suggests someone at home may be hurting them, that message and the reply to it are kept out of everything parents see, and no parent is alerted. Your child is shown helplines and encouraged to talk to a trusted adult outside the home. Everything else stays visible to you.

#Can two parents both be linked?

Yes. Each parent or guardian gives consent separately, and there is no "main" parent. If one withdraws, the other's consent still stands and your child keeps using TutorCat.

#Can I limit how long my child uses it?

Yes. In Settings, set a daily limit of 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes, add quiet hours in your own time zone, and choose Warn (a 5-minute heads-up, then they can carry on) or Block (new questions pause at the limit). Reading past sessions doesn't count, and help is never blocked.

#Safety

#What happens if my child writes something worrying?

They immediately get kind words, a nudge to talk to a trusted adult and free helplines for your country, with buttons to call. For a serious concern, every parent with consent also gets an urgent email and a safety note on their home page, except in the case of possible harm at home described above.

#Will the email tell me what my child wrote?

No. The email and the safety note describe the kind of concern, for example that your child "may be being bullied", and suggest how to start a calm conversation. A parent can read the transcript from the note.

#Can TutorCat staff read my child's messages?

No. The admin tools show only counts, such as the number of active families or safety events. Staff cannot open a child's conversations, photos or check-ins.

#Is TutorCat an emergency service?

No. It does not watch children in real time and cannot send help. If you think your child is in danger, call your local emergency number.

#Privacy and data

#Do you show ads or sell data?

Never. TutorCat has no ads, sells no data, uses no third-party tracking and uses no cookies.

#How do I get a copy of my child's data?

In Settings, tap Export Sam's data (it shows your child's name), then Prepare export. It is a download you can open or save straight away. Students can download their own data from Settings → Your data.

#How do I delete our data?

In Settings, tap Delete Sam Okafor's data… (it shows your child's name), type your child's name and your password, and confirm. It happens straight away and cannot be undone. You can delete your own parent account from Settings → Delete account.

#The beta

#How much does it cost?

Nothing during the beta. There is no card to enter, and every account gets the full Family features. Safety, consent, export and deletion are free on every plan, always.

#How do I get an invite?

Invites go to a small group of families by email. If you don't have one, tap Join the waitlist on the sign-up screen, or email support@tutorcat.ai.

#Is there an app to download?

Not yet for beta families. TutorCat runs in any modern browser at tutorcat.ai on a phone, tablet or computer. Desktop apps for macOS and Windows and mobile apps for Android and iPhone are being prepared from the same app.

#Can a teacher or school use TutorCat?

There is no teacher or school account: every account is a student or a parent. Teachers are welcome to recommend TutorCat to families.

#Which countries is it for?

The beta includes families in the United States, the United Kingdom, Pakistan and the European Union. Consent ages and helplines follow the country chosen at sign-up.