School Pictures Policy

The purpose of this policy is to outline the guidelines and procedures for the use of photographs and videos taken within the school setting. The school recognizes the importance of documenting and sharing student and school activities but also aims to protect students' privacy and ensure the appropriate use of media.

1. Consent for Photography and Video Recording

• Student Consent: Parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for their child to be photographed or recorded. The school will distribute consent forms at the beginning of each academic year and whenever new activities or events are planned that may involve photography or video recording.
• Electronic Consent: In addition to paper consent forms, the school will also offer electronic consent options. Parents or legal guardians can provide consent through the school's online portal or via email, ensuring the process is accessible and efficient. The electronic consent will be treated with the same legal validity as the written consent.
• Event-Specific Consent: For events outside of routine school activities, additional consent may be requested. This includes field trips, performances, sports events, and any other special activities.
• Revoking Consent: Parents or guardians have the right to withdraw consent at any time by submitting a written request to the school. The school will make reasonable efforts to avoid photographing or recording the child in such cases.

2. Use of Photographs and Videos

Educational Purposes

• Photographs and videos may be used for educational purposes, including displays within the school, presentations, yearbooks, and educational materials.

Promotional Use

• Photos or videos may also be used in promotional materials, such as the school website, newsletters, brochures, and social media accounts. However, parental consent will always be sought prior to using a student's image for these purposes.

Social Media

• The school will take extra precautions when sharing images on social media platforms. Any images posted will comply with the school's guidelines, and identifiable images of students will only be shared with explicit consent.

3. Privacy and Security

Sensitive Information

• The school will avoid sharing or publishing any photographs or videos that include sensitive information about students, such as personal health or academic information, unless necessary and with proper consent.

Third-Party Use

• The school will not sell or share photographs or videos to third-party companies for commercial purposes without written consent from the parents or guardians.

4. Student Responsibilities

Respect for Privacy

• Students are expected to respect the privacy of others and not take unauthorized photos or videos, especially in private areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, or other spaces where privacy is expected.

Digital Etiquette

• Students must adhere to the school's rules regarding digital behavior and etiquette when using personal devices for photography or video recording.

5. Exceptions

Public Events

• Photos taken at public events such as sports games, public performances, or other community-related activities may not require consent if students are photographed as part of a larger group.

Staff and Visitors

• Staff and visitors who take photos or videos during school events must comply with this policy and are not permitted to publish or share images without consent from the school.

6. Enforcement

Any violation of this policy, such as unauthorized photography or misuse of images, will be handled according to the school's code of conduct. Consequences may include disciplinary actions.