Safety and what we actually check
We would rather be clear than impressive. This page explains exactly what Extra Lessons SA does before a tutor profile goes live, what we do not do, and how to keep lessons safe.
What we do
Email confirmation
Tutors must confirm they control the email address they applied with before a profile can go live.
Automatic content checks
Applications are checked automatically, using fixed rules and AI, for spam, inappropriate content, contact details in public fields and suspicious links. Profiles that pass are published without a person reading them. Anything flagged or uncertain is held for a person to review.
Private contact details
Tutor email addresses and phone numbers are never shown publicly or included in the page code.
Enquiries through the site
Parents contact tutors through our enquiry form. The enquiry, including the parent's email address, is sent to the tutor so they can reply. Neither email address is shown on the site.
Reports
Anyone can report a profile. Reports go straight to a person, who can pause a profile while looking into it.
What we do not do
Extra Lessons SA does not carry out criminal background checks, identity verification, SACE checks, reference checks or qualification verification. We do not vet, screen, endorse or guarantee any tutor. Tutors are independent and are not employed by us. Anything a tutor states about their qualifications or experience is their own claim. Email confirmation and automatic content checks do not establish who a tutor is or whether their qualifications are real, and not every profile is read by a person.
Guidance for parents and guardians
- Ask for identification and proof of qualifications before the first lesson.
- Ask for contactable references from other families.
- Hold in-person lessons in a shared space at home, a library or another public place rather than behind a closed door.
- Stay nearby, and drop in on lessons from time to time.
- For online lessons, use an open area of the home, keep the call in view and avoid private messaging apps between tutor and child.
- Be cautious of anyone who asks for large upfront payments, avoids meeting you, or wants to move all contact off the platform immediately.
- Talk to your child about what is normal in a lesson and what to tell you about.
Guidance for tutors
- Keep communication with a parent or guardian, not only with the learner.
- Teach in shared or visible spaces, and keep online lessons on camera.
- Keep your own records of lesson times, payments and agreements.
- Be honest about your subjects, grades and qualifications. Profiles that overstate experience are removed.
Reporting a problem
Every tutor profile has a "Report this profile" option. Use it for inaccurate information, suspicious behaviour or anything that does not look right. If a child is in immediate danger, contact the South African Police Service on 10111 or Childline South Africa on 116.