More and more schools  use social media and add pictures to their school websites. Therefore, we would like to remind everyone the advice from our Child Protection Officer.

We should not be including name information which allows pupils to be identified.

If we have a photograph or video clip , depending on the situation and the permission you have obtained from the parent and pupil , it may be permissible to

Include the pupil’s first name.

If there is not photograph or video clip , it might be that there is an article or a section of text which talks about a pupil’s success, then the full use of the name may be permissible, with the relevant permissions having been obtained.

We should also consider the nature of the photographs we use. Swim teams in tracksuits will be more acceptable that pictures just after the swimmers have left the pool, for example.

Schools should not rely solely on permissions which were obtained earlier in the pupil’s school life, say at the start of P1 or in S1.  Parental and pupil views may have changed.

It is better to check before going ahead, particularly if it is for a production which might have a long shelf life. 

Please get in touch if you have any questions or queries about the above.