PC gone mad when you cannot even take pictures of your own kids!!

Birdy12

claretmatt wrote: »

I recently took a day off work to look after my son as the childminder was on holiday. I took him to the local Sure Start centre. I was expecting a work email, so went into a corner and checked my messages. 30 seconds maximum and the phone was pointed down so no chance of taking a photo. I was then told by the lady running the centre that phones were not allowed for the "protection of the children" Upon leaving I was asked as an active and involved parent if I would like to come to the dads and sons Saturday morning club as it has a very low take up. I doubt I will take up their offer.

Can I just say that being asked to keep your phone out of sight provides you with protection as well as that of any children in the vicinity.

I volunteer with a charity, supervising children (unobtrusively) while they spend time with their contact parents. I'm not allowed to have my phone on me while I'm working and I'm happy to leave it in my bag - it gives me some protection should any accusations arise.

Changing subject slightly, my DS used to belong to a swimming club and have regular competitions. No photography was allowed but one guy turned up after the announcement had been made and proceeded to get his camera out. All it took by me was a quiet word to say 'we've been told no photographs'. I wouldn't have dreamed of shouting at (and humiliating) him.

Birdy

j.e.j.

I think it's a shame we can no longer take photos of our kids, but I do find it scary that people can (and do) post pictures of children on FaceBook for all and sundry to see. I don't know what the answer is, really. I don't do FaceBook myself, but I am in the minority there!

Hanging_by_a_thread

blue_monkey wrote: »

At the interval I was approached yet again by another woman who then yelled at me in front of the entire theatre - she made sure everyone had taken their seats before doing that - for taking pictures. I told her I had put the camera away as I was asked but I asked why I could not as it was my own child up there, she told me that as there were other children there as well and we could not take photos of the children. She then shouted that if I did it again she was confiscating the camera. I asked if they were going to be providing us with any recordings if we were not allowed to do our own - no, of course not.

I dont understand why this woman saw fit to approach you and behave in such an appalling way. As you say, when you were first approached and asked not to photograph or record the choir you agreed and put your camera away.

It may not feel like it but the only person who was showing themselves up and being humiliated was her. Other adults may not have backed your corner but not many would view what she did favourably.

It seems really stupid that you were not allowed to take photos or make a recording, seeing as permission was sought to do this before the production. I hope your child will have the opportunity to do something like this again and that next time other adults will show some common sense.

daska

Any wrote: »

Wholeheartedly agree with this...
And also how if the argument is "why to punish this child", what about all the others that are punished by not having a photo of their own children in such an important moment???

?

But they can still have photos, as explained!

adouglasmhor

j.e.j. wrote: »

I think it's a shame we can no longer take photos of our kids, but I do find it scary that people can (and do) post pictures of children on FaceBook for all and sundry to see. I don't know what the answer is, really. I don't do FaceBook myself, but I am in the minority there!

Some friends of mine do post pictures of their kids on Facebook, they tag them with the names of uncles, mums, dads, etc. So any one with a dodgy interest will end up visiting the parents or uncles profile.

jamespir

i found a photo album the other day of us when little at mums and it shows you how different things were theres pics of all four of us kids sharing a bath (omg we shared a bath ) theres a pic of us playing in the garden in our swimming trunks and theres even a pic of my younger bro reading a paper on the loo
all innocent where as these days they would cause a whole heap of trouble
i think the press is ultimatley to blame for this omg every mans a !!!!! attitude some people have

blue_monkey_2

Thank you for the support, I spoke to the choir leader last night and she told me I should also complain about the lady shouting at me. That is what is riling more I think, it was how the other people in the row looked at me, it was just so embarrassing. I was right at the front so everyone could see her having a go at me.

It wasn't to do with the group, they use children in their shows and they do not publicise it so there is nothing for them to get out of it, I thought that we would end up getting charged for a DVD or photos - which I would have had no issue in buying because of the memories, but no, nothing. It's just annoying that your child gets offered (what could be) a once in a lifetime opportunity and you cannot even take a picture of them doing it. How sad for everyone. I have my 2 pictures that I will cherish anyway but I am going to write and complain and tell them I want an apology and that some staff training in 'people skills' would be appropriate for this woman.

blue_monkey_2

James, when we went on holiday to the US it was weird, we took pictures of the kids at the pool and at water parks - not a single parent batted an eyelid, initially I thought I might get in trouble for it but no and now we have loads of pictures as I have a waterproof camera and it came everywhere with us. No-one started screaming hysterically at other parents for taking pictures, everyone was allowed to have their happy memories by the pool.

Last year we went to Butlins and some bloke was at the pool taking photos of his daughter, there was clearly no-one else there but the lifeguards started blowing their whistles at him and told him to put the camera away. Why the difference in different countries? Are children here, safer than over there?

At least when they have school plays they have pictures/DVD's for you to buy so parents can still have their memories, but I can imagine it will not be long before they start trying to ban cameras other places too and it is such a shame because it's nice to be able to share these memories.

I am also going to suggest to the choir that they do with the children what the Brownies do, and that is someone takes the pictures and then loads them onto a disc and everyone whose child performs, gets one and then no-one misses out on these special events.

daska

blue_monkey wrote: »

Thank you for the support, I spoke to the choir leader last night and she told me I should also complain about the lady shouting at me. That is what is riling more I think, it was how the other people in the row looked at me, it was just so embarrassing. I was right at the front so everyone could see her having a go at me.

It wasn't to do with the group, they use children in their shows and they do not publicise it so there is nothing for them to get out of it, I thought that we would end up getting charged for a DVD or photos - which I would have had no issue in buying because of the memories, but no, nothing. It's just annoying that your child gets offered (what could be) a once in a lifetime opportunity and you cannot even take a picture of them doing it. How sad for everyone. I have my 2 pictures that I will cherish anyway but I am going to write and complain and tell them I want an apology and that some staff training in 'people skills' would be appropriate for this woman.

So is as it appeared to be, a lack of communication + the venue being overly officious + the employee being downright rude. Yes, of course you should complain, in writing!

If nothing else, and regardless of the rights and wrongs of the policy, the venue should be making their 'no photos' policy clear prior to bookings being made or should be discussing it with the organisers for each event separately. And the choir leaders should write and complain as well a. because their member of staff has upset their customer and b. if the venue is at fault for applying a policy that the choir was not made aware of.

sassyblue

We are potential !!!!!s these days don't you know? *sigh*

When did we lose our common sense? I have a friend who moaned she hates to see old men sitting in parks where there are children!! So there you have it, you work your whole life and can't even enjoy your retirement by going for walks and sitting in the parks because you might be a !!!!!phile. :rotfl:

Yes, there are !!!!!s and yes it's right to be vigilent but !!!!!!, taking photos of your OWN children in their plays and at special moments is not !!!!!phillic behaviour.

Rant over.