Safeguarding international schools in Lebanon: country guide

Private schools in Beirut and Metn work under the Ministry of Education. Schools apply national child rules and cooperate with judges on student welfare.

Private and independent schools in Beirut, Mount Lebanon and Tripoli work under the Ministry of Education. The private education office checks courses and school licenses across Lebanon.

Many private schools teach French, IB or American courses. They hold approval from bodies like NEASC, CIS or AEFE.

School leaders must ensure that international standards align with Lebanese child rules. Review our guide on ITFCP child protection standards to balance local and global standards.

Every private school in Lebanon must follow national child protection laws. Holding international accreditation does not remove host country child welfare duties.

Local candidates must provide an Extrait de Casier Judiciaire (Sijil Aadli) from the Internal Security Forces (ISF). School leadership must verify that candidates have no active judicial bans or criminal charges involving minors.

Law No. 422/2002 sets child safety rules for minors facing danger in Lebanon. The law protects children from physical abuse, sexual harm or bad neglect.

Teachers who suspect a child is in danger must alert the Juvenile Judge. Reports can go through UPEL or child teams like Himaya.

Staff must not attempt to resolve serious allegations through quiet talks in school. The designated lead coordinates school notes, dates and official reports.

Explore our guide on safeguarding policy templates to set up clear reporting steps.

If a child is in danger now, call 112 for police help or 140 for medical rescue. Then tell your Designated Safeguarding Lead and Director on the same day.

For child welfare reports that are not an emergency, call the Himaya helpline. Keep written notes of all facts, dates and witness statements.

• 112: Internal Security Forces national police emergency hotline.
• 110: Himaya free national child protection reporting helpline.
• 1745: Internal Security Forces family violence reporting desk.
• 140: Lebanese Red Cross national medical rescue and ambulance service.

Safe hiring rules protect children from harm. Schools must require all local candidates to show an official police paper (Sejel Adli).

This paper is issued by the police. It proves that the worker has no criminal record or court ban from teaching.

Schools must check police records for all foreign hires. Checks must cover their home country and any past overseas posts. School leaders must contact past employers directly.

All background checks, interview notes and degree papers must be kept in an organized file. Our guide to Single Central Record management helps schools stay audit-ready.

Personal data law sets privacy rules across Lebanon. Child safety notes, logs and counseling files contain private personal details.

Schools must keep child protection records separate from general student academic files. Digital systems must use strict role rules to lock down access.

Class teachers and office staff should not read secret case notes. Only the DSL and head of school should see these chronologies.

Parent consent is not needed when sharing facts with child police to protect a child. Review our guidance on how to record safeguarding concerns for practical rules.

When a child discloses abuse, staff must listen with care. Adults must stay calm and attentive. Staff must never promise absolute secrecy to the student.

Staff should explain that the DSL or school counselor must be told to provide safety and support. Notes should document factual observations and student words using exact phrasing.

Do not ask leading questions or attempt to check the facts on your own. Hand your written note to your lead before leaving school today.

When an allegation involves family members, the school must talk to UPEL or the court first. This precaution protects the child from retaliation or escalated danger.

• Stay calm: Listen without showing shock, anger or fear.
• Do not promise secrets: Explain who you must inform to keep the child safe.
• Write exact words: Record what the child said without guessing.
• Notify the DSL: Hand the written report to the lead the same day.

All teachers, aides and office staff must take child protection training each year. Training must cover spotting signs of physical harm, sexual abuse and online bullying.

Bus drivers, campus guards and cleaning staff must also complete training each year. Support staff frequently observe student interactions across school transport and campus areas.

Check our advice on safeguarding training levels to establish practical, campus-wide training programs.