What do I need to be aware of regarding digital images of my students for school use?
When it comes to photos, videos and webcam footage of children and young people, teachers face a number of challenges.
Having images of your students on your personal laptop or mobile could have legal implications, for example.
There is also a risk that images you take could fall into the wrong hands and be used inappropriately. Strangers could see the images online and make contact with your students with the aim of persuading them into online or offline sexual activity, known as “online grooming” for example.
So, whether you’re building a website for your class or school, taking photographs or videos on a field trip, arranging for the local newspaper photographer to visit, or doing anything else that involves digital images of your students, you must follow your school’s guidelines for acceptable use of images.
Your school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) should cover areas including:
- What images of students might be included on the school website and how to avoid using the students’ names in relation to the images (including in the “alt tag” – the name you give each image when you save it).
- Whether it’s appropriate for staff to use digital cameras or camera phones on school trips and how any images taken should be transferred back to the school.
- How to get parental permission before using images of students in any way.
- How to store images securely on the school network.
You should also refer to your school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) when it comes to using digital videos and photographs (not just of students) in the classroom. For example, you might want to inspire your English class by using a YouTube film clip of a poet reading his latest creation but your AUP might not allow you to access video-sharing sites on school premises.
Where can I find out more?
- Check your school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for advice about digital images.
- Speak to your school’s e-safety co-ordinator or technical support staff.
- For information about data protection in relation to images taken at school, refer to the Information Commissioner’s good practice guidance
- Visit the eTwinning website, a virtual meeting point for schools.