Questions parents ask

#What you can see

#Can I see everything my child types?

Almost everything. As a linked parent you can read your child's full tutoring conversations, see the photos they shared and the spoken messages TutorCat turned into text, read session summaries, and see their wellbeing check-ins, including any note.

There is one exception. If your child tells us someone is hurting them, that stays private to keep them safe, and it's left out of everything parents can see. A child at risk at home must be able to ask for help safely. The Safety alerts page explains more.

Every other worry, including thoughts of self-harm, stays visible to you, and serious ones alert you.

You also don't see the feedback your child sends to the TutorCat team.

#What is the whiteboard my child's tutor draws?

When your child asks the tutor to explain something, it can answer as an animated handwritten board that is read aloud with captions. In the transcript you see the text version of the board. The same safety checks and privacy rules apply as for any other reply. See Sessions and transcripts.

#Does my child know I can see their sessions?

Yes. Your child is told in the app that a linked parent can see their sessions and check-ins, including in the Learning Studio and before they write a wellbeing note. Each transcript also shows "[Name] knows you can read this".

#Why does my child's session list look empty?

A session shows up once it ends and TutorCat has written its summary. If your child has only just started, check back later. If they haven't used TutorCat yet, the list stays empty until they do.

#Can I see what my child does on other apps or websites?

No. TutorCat only knows what happens inside TutorCat.

#Safety

#Will I be told if my child might be in danger?

Yes, for serious concerns: possible self-harm, danger, something sexual or inappropriate, or bullying. Your child sees helplines first, and you get an email and a Safety note on your home page. The one exception is when your child tells us someone is hurting them, which stays private to keep them safe. See Safety alerts.

#Is TutorCat watching my child in real time?

No. TutorCat checks what your child sends while they use it, and alerts you afterwards. It isn't an emergency service. If you think your child is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

#I got a safety alert. Should I read the transcript first?

You can, but it's usually more helpful to talk with your child first. Find a calm moment, listen, and stay gentle. The alert may also be a false alarm.

#Can a screen-time limit stop my child getting help?

No. Every message is checked for safety before a limit applies, and the limit screen always keeps Need to talk to someone?

#Consent and family

#My consent link doesn't work. What now?

Links last 7 days and work once. Paste the code from the same email into your home page instead. If the code has expired too, ask your child to send the request again.

#I wasn't expecting a consent email. What should I do?

You can ignore it. Nothing happens unless the link or code is used.

#Can both parents be linked?

Yes. Your child sends each parent a request, and each confirms separately. Both see the same things, and either one's consent is enough.

#What happens if the other parent withdraws consent?

Only their access ends. Your consent still stands, and your child keeps using TutorCat.

#What's the difference between withdrawing consent and deleting data?

Withdrawing stops your access and, if you were the only parent and your child is below the consent age, pauses their account. Nothing is deleted. Deleting removes your child's account and everything in it, permanently, straight away.

#Screen time

#Can I remove a screen-time limit once it's set?

Not at the moment. You can change it to any of the choices, including 90 minutes, but you can't go back to no limit.

#Does a limit cut my child off in the middle of an answer?

No. With Block, a reply that's already on its way always finishes. New questions pause, and old conversations stay readable.

#Does reading old sessions count towards the limit?

No. Reading past sessions and looking at their portfolio don't count.

#Data and privacy

#Can TutorCat staff read my child's conversations?

No. TutorCat's staff tools can't show your child's conversations, photos or check-ins. They only show counts.

#Do you show ads or sell my child's data?

No. TutorCat shows no ads, never sells your child's information, and uses no third-party tracking.

#How long are homework photos kept?

Homework photos are deleted automatically after 90 days. Voice recordings are never stored: TutorCat turns them into text and discards the audio.

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

In Settings, open your child's card and choose Export [name]'s data, then Prepare export. See Downloading your child's data.

#If I delete my child's data, is it really gone?

Yes. It's deleted from TutorCat as soon as you confirm with your password, and nobody can bring it back. A record that a deletion happened is kept, with no name or content in it. The children's privacy notice explains how our encrypted backups are cleared over time.

#Cost

#Does TutorCat cost anything?

Not during the beta: everything is free. Consent, safety, wellbeing, screen time, export and deletion are free on every plan, always.