Data Protection Query: Taking Photos of Kids

Robisere wrote: »

Some responses here are wandering off into cloud-cuckoo land.

I have a talented 11 yo gdaughter who has been dancing with a local school and appearing in shows locally and in other venues, for several years. There is a large photo on my wall as I type, from 2 years ago, which depicts her in what looks like 'adult' revealing clothing, but there is absolutely no doubt that this is a child. There are other photos of her at various ages scattered around the house, as there are photos of our other grandchildren. Stored on my NAS, backed up and protected against anyone else seeing them, are more photos of all 4 grandchildren and our two kids, at various ages, some naked (as babies and toddlers.)

The point being, that any perversion connected with viewing normal family photos of children, is in the eyes of anyone who is perverted and manages to get to see them. The idea is to make sure that the best precautions are taken, to avoid that scenario. It's not about the legalities or otherwise - it's about who gets to see images of the children you love.

Gd's dance school has always used one photographic studio for all pictures and videos of all performances. The studio and all its personnel, are subjected to stringent, annual checks at the specific demand of the school. If a new staff member joins the studio, they are checked. All images and videos are kept under strong security by the studio. No parent or anyone else attending the shows, is allowed to take photos or videos and this is understood by all. The dance school has an age range of performers from toddlers to 30+ and the older members are all mothers: they look after and fiercely defend all younger members.

When a family member requires a photo or video, they are checked by the school to ensure that they are family, and parents get first choice. The parent gets a password and username, which changes after each show. The photos & videos can only be ordered online and only by using the password and username. The material is not cheap, but after buying the "hard copies" the parent may choose to allow other family members to make their own copies, which is what I do as a grandparent. I have a very good Photographic printer and I make copies for display in our home.

This way, parents are completely in cahrge of where and to whom the images of their children go. Yes, it has to be paid for, but we split the purchase of photos and videos with our daughter. And we don't mind the expense at all: we are very proud of our own little star and we love having a record of her progress, as do her brother and her cousins.

I might add that I have seen many of these shows, and there is no more beautiful sight than 16 tiny tots, dressed in costume, dancing around the stage.

honeypop wrote: »

Thanks, I know that's why safeguarding exists, I work with it fairly often in a school. I was trying to respond to the bit about more chance of being hit by a meteor than that happening, which makes it sound pretty impossible, which it actually isn't.