Photography and the use of images in school and recreational activities

These guidelines and instructions apply to all types of photography and image publication of children in preschools, primary schools, after-school programs, youth centers, school music bands, and other activities of the Department of Education & Youth. Each workplace is responsible for personal data that is processed there.

You can see the contact details of preschools, primary schools, recreation centers—covering after-school programs and youth centers— and school bands.

The guidelines assume that the parent has custody of the child under the Children's Act and that their role is governed by that Act.

Instructions

Care and discretion

Care and discretion should always be exercised when taking photos and videos, and when using the images, in school and recreational settings in compliance with the Act on Data Protection and Act No 14/2012 on Information. The focus should be on the children's’ activities.

Respect

All photo and video shoots, and the use of the images whether it is on an open or private site, should be governed by the principle that children and young people should never be shown in a provocative, humiliating, or inappropriate manner, e.g. not taking pictures of naked children or children in vulnerable situations.

Anonymity

When releasing imagery, there is no mention of the name or other information except in special circumstances, such as when a child wins a prize or makes a public appearance on behalf of their school.

Children's right to self-determination

For all photo and video shoots, and the use of the images, the right to self-determination of children and young people should be respected. This means that their opinions must be duly taken into account according to their age and maturity, such as always requesting their oral consent for taking photos and videos, and for using the images.

Equality

When using images, care should be taken to ensure gender equality and that the proportion of girls and boys in images is as balanced as possible
Therefore, it a good practice to show group photos of children and youth in school and recreational activities seeking to reflect the diversity of the children, regardless of whether the images are hosted on an open or private website

Workplace equipment should be used

All photography of children in daily school and recreational activities should be carried out using a device owned by the relevant workplace of the Department of Education and Youth. Employees are not allowed to take photos and/or videos of children using their private devices.