Online Tutoring for Children: A Parent's Guide

Is Online Tutoring Effective for Children?

The evidence that has accumulated since online tutoring became mainstream suggests that it is broadly as effective as in-person tutoring for most students — with the caveat that younger children and students who struggle with focus can find the online format more challenging.

For secondary school students and motivated primary-age children, online tutoring is an excellent option.

What Makes Online Tutoring Work Well

A dedicated workspace. Your child should have a consistent place to sit for sessions — ideally a desk in a quiet room, not the sofa in a shared living space. Consistency of environment helps concentration.

Good audio. Poor audio quality degrades the tutoring experience significantly. A headset or earphones with a microphone is a worthwhile investment.

Minimal interruptions. Siblings, pets, and household noise are more disruptive in online sessions than in-person ones. During sessions, try to minimise these where possible.

A digital whiteboard tool. Good online tutors use shared digital whiteboards (Miro, BitPaper, or the whiteboard built into the video platform) to work through problems collaboratively. This is the online equivalent of working side-by-side on paper.

Safeguarding in Online Sessions

For under-18s, sessions should:

• Take place via a recognised, secure video platform
• Be agreed with parents in advance in terms of time and duration
• Not involve messaging or communication outside the tutoring session

It is reasonable to be present in the house during sessions, even if not in the same room.

When In-Person Might Still Be Better

For children under eight, children with significant attention difficulties, or those who find screens generally demotivating, in-person tutoring is worth exploring — even if it is more expensive or less convenient.