Zoom is now the approved video chat service for BCC staff. If you are using this within your classrooms please follow the following guidance:
We have a selection of guides in other languages:
Zoom alternate language guides
Safeguarding tips for teachers working with pupils
Zoom provides a great poster for students participating online. My top recommendation would be to go into your settings and ensure you have considered what permissions are available to you as a host, and which are available to the pupils/parents at their home. The basics (yet essential safeguarding tips) include:
- Switch the settings to have microphones and videos off when joining the meeting
- Ensure the host is in control of who can control the screen, save the video/chat content
- Learn how to mute and unmute all participants, including video screens
- Be conscious of background environments and others in the room
- Use the whiteboard and annotation tools to improve engagement.
- Remind users about respecting others and using the chat box for commentary and,
- Please dress and talk appropriately!
Zoom settings for improved security
DON’T use your personal Zoom Meeting ID
When you schedule a meeting, scroll to “Meeting ID” and select “Generate Automatically.” This is Zoom’s default choice; don’t change it! And never post your personal meeting room ID publicly. Your Zoom Meeting ID URL doesn’t change, so anyone who knows your ID can hop into your personal meetings.
DO require a password
Scroll to “Meeting password” and check the box. Zoom will generate a password for you. Requiring a password is the most effective thing you can do to protect your meeting. Remember to include this password in your invitations.
DO control host and participant video
Set both the host and participant video to OFF.
DO leave ‘Enable join before host’ unchecked
Make sure this box in “Meeting Options” is left blank. This keeps unwanted visitors from causing trouble before you start the meeting.
DO mute participants on entry
Check this box under “Meeting Options.” This prevents uninvited guests from blasting your meeting with noise, and also blocks background noise from attendees who forget to mute themselves.
DO control screen sharing
Block a Zoombomber from disrupting your meeting with unwanted images. Go to the Zoom toolbar, click the up arrow next to the “Share Screen” icon, and under “Who can share?” select “Only host.” (Depending on the version of Zoom you’re using, you may need to choose Advanced Sharing Options to get to this choice.)
DO consider locking the door behind you
Click the “Manage Participants” icon in the Zoom toolbar, then use the “More” drop-down menu and click “Lock meeting.” This option can keep unwanted folks out once everyone is in. The downside is that it prevents attendees from being able to sign in again if they are experiencing connectivity issues. This option is best for smaller meetings, where you’ll be able to see that someone has dropped out and can easily unlock the meeting to let them back in.