Student asking to bring camera on trip

[oododkodkdo]

Hello all,

 

I had a student that came asking me

 

“Do you know that trip that we are going to, can I bring my DSLR and take photos?”

 

I was asked because, I have the responsibility of pupil privacy.

 

I left him with no answer and told him to come back in 1 week.

 

Let me explain, A year 9 class is due in 2 months to go to France to see what happened in WW1 and a student on that trip wanted to bring his DSLR along with him.

 

What’d you guys think about this?

[3s-gtech]

He can take it, and he can take photos of others with their permission. I’d say that as it’s a personal, student owned device, the school needn’t get too involved - just like if they took their phone and snapped their friends.

[oododkodkdo]

He can take it, and he can take photos of others with their permission. I’d say that as it’s a personal, student owned device, the school needn’t get too involved - just like if they took their phone and snapped their friends.

 

What about the teachers?

[elsiegee40]

What is your school’s policy regarding photography in school and at school events?

 

This really needs to be decided by your SLT and specifically the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) must be involved.

 

Only your DSL will know what the Safeguarding and Child Protection risks are specific to that group of students.

 

If your school has a policy that says staff may only use school cameras for photographing students and events then why would it allow a student to use their personal device?

 

Assuming you are not the DSL or Head you cannot, and must not, make this decision.

Edited November 21, 2019 by elsiegee40

[3s-gtech]

The above is a more sound standpoint - especially as far as stuff go. For example, staff taking photos of students on their personal devices is prohibited under our policies (and common sense suggests it’s a very poor idea). Students taking photos may be covered under a behaviour policy already.

[oododkodkdo]

What is your school’s policy regarding photography in school and at school events?

 

This really needs to be decided by your SLT and specifically the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) must be involved.

 

Only your DSL will know what the Safeguarding and Child Protection risks are specific to that group of students.

 

If your school has a policy that says staff may only use school cameras for photographing students and events then why would it allow a student to use their personal device?

 

Assuming you are not the DSL or Head you cannot, and must not, make this decision.

 

Thanks!

 

I’ll forward him to our SLT.

[elsiegee40]

Thanks!

 

I’ll forward him to our SLT.

 

It would be sensible for you to speak to SLT outlining the concerns first so they are expecting the student and aren’t caught cold. They’ll appreciate having time to think through their answer!

[oododkodkdo]

It would be sensible for you to speak to SLT outlining the concerns first so they are expecting the student and aren’t caught cold. They’ll appreciate having time to think through their answer!

 

Thanks again [emoji3]

 

I’ll email my SLT in the morning about the situation.

[Meldrew]

I'd also want a rock solid understanding that the camera wasn't covered by school insurance and that the student take it at their own risk.

[bobsmith]

silly question - not so much from a legal point of view as a practical one.

 

very nearly every kid has a smartphone and up to the point they enter the school building they are happily taking pictures/selfies with them.

 

now they go on a school trip - does the school confiscate every phone for the duration? Is this even practical?

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm a strong proponent of GDPR etc, but any law that is unenforceable is probably stupid or being misunderstood.

[DrBeaker]

The above is a more sound standpoint - especially as far as stuff go. For example, staff taking photos of students on their personal devices is prohibited under our policies (and common sense suggests it’s a very poor idea). Students taking photos may be covered under a behaviour policy already.

 

Exactly. Any school stuff especially involving students should be on a school-owned device.

 

The only thing mine is used for is taking photos of error messages, vandalised/damaged computer equipment, serial numbers etc. What a fun and interesting life! lol I still disagree with that though, it should really be on a school device and not mine - but got bigger issues to solve.

[oododkodkdo]

I'd also want a rock solid understanding that the camera wasn't covered by school insurance and that the student take it at their own risk.

 

He told me he has insurance on his DSLR for some reason.