Data Protection - What does it entail?

Jakg

What does data protection cover?

I ask from a hypothetical legal situation in a School - is it fair for the school to tell the parents the marks a student got if the student is over 18 (and therefore a legal adult) or to discuss these marks with a parent without the students knowledge? Same for lateness etc - surely it's breaking confidentiality or something...?

Before you say "do your work better", this is in response to some people in my class getting letters home threatening them with a welfare officer for being 5 seconds late to School - when all people involved are over 18 and are at school voluntarily!

hollydays

5 seconds late-yeah right-and the dog ate your homework..

beedeedee

I've often wondered about schools printing their student's results in local papers. Surely this is a big breach of the Data Protection Act? It never happened when I was at school many moons ago - but I would be fuming if they divulged my results to anyone.

Optimist

Schools can publish exam results in the local paper without your consent, they can also tell your parents if your parents need to know. Although you can object and they are obliged to give due consideration to your objection !

Give the ICO a call they will give you the latest guidance to educational establishments.

I think its shocking that you get threatened for being 5 seconds late though.