Weekly Update
24th September 2026
Safe and Smart: Before You Click ‘Allow’
We have probably all done it — downloaded a new app, been presented with a list of permissions and quickly clicked ‘Allow’ without giving it too much thought!
Apps may ask for access to our camera, microphone, photographs, contacts or location. Sometimes there is a perfectly sensible reason for this, but not every app needs access to everything it asks for. Helping children get into the habit of stopping and asking, “Why does this app need that?” is a really simple but important digital literacy skill.
This is something we encourage our students to think about at DESS. Being safe online isn't just about avoiding obvious dangers; it is also about understanding the choices we make when using technology and thinking carefully about the personal information we share.
This week, why not spend five minutes together checking the permissions on your child's device?
On an iPhone or iPad:
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. From here, you can select areas such as Location Services, Camera, Microphone, Photos or Contacts and see which apps have been given access. You can then switch access off for anything that doesn't need it.
On an Android device:
Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Privacy > Permission manager. Here you can see which apps have permission to access features such as the camera, microphone, location and contacts, and change the permissions where appropriate. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on the device.
You can also look at individual apps together and ask a few simple questions: Does this app really need my location? Why does this game need access to my microphone? Does it need all of my photos, or could I give it access to selected ones?
It might also be a good opportunity for us adults to check our own devices! A small habit of pausing before clicking ‘Allow’ can make a big difference to the way children think about their privacy and personal information online.
School Portraits
This week, the children enjoyed having their portraits taken by Pret-a-Portrait. If your child missed their slot due to illness or absence, there's no need to worry — a catch-up session will be held on 3rd December. Pret-a-Portrait will also be returning in March to take whole-class photographs.
Doha English Speaking School
Email: secretary@dess.org
Website: dess.org
Location: Al Maarri Street, Doha, Qatar
Phone: 44592750
Facebook @dess_doha
Instagram @dess_doha
Alumni links: Instagram & Facebook
Twitter @DessDoha
