2.10.7 Photographs, Videos and Other Images

Contents

1. Photography and Videos
2. Access to Inappropriate Images and Internet Usage

1. Photography and Videos

Working with children and young people may involve the taking or recording of images. Any such work should take place with due regard to the law and the need to safeguard the privacy, dignity, safety and well being of children and young people. Informed written consent from parents or carers and agreement, where possible, from the child or young person, should always be sought before an image is taken for any purpose.

Careful consideration should be given as to how activities involving the taking of images are organised and undertaken. Care should be taken to ensure that all parties understand the implications of the image being taken especially if it is to be used for any publicity purposes or published in the media, or on the Internet. There also needs to be an agreement as to whether the images will be destroyed or retained for further use, where these will be stored and who will have access to them.

Adults need to remain sensitive to any children who appear uncomfortable, for whatever reason, and should recognise the potential for such activities to raise concerns or lead to misunderstandings.

It is not appropriate for adults to take photographs of children for their personal use.

This means that staff should:

• be clear about the purpose of the activity and about what will happen to the images when the activity is concluded
• be able to justify images of children in their possession
• avoid making images in one to one situations or which show a single child with no surrounding context
• ensure the child/young person understands why the images are being taken and has agreed to the activity and that they are appropriately dressed.
• only use equipment provided or authorised by the organisation
• report any concerns about any inappropriate or intrusive photographs found to their Manager always ensure they have parental permission to take and/or display photographs

2. Access to Inappropriate Images and Internet Usage

There are no circumstances that will justify adults possessing indecent images of children. Adults who access and possess links to such websites will be viewed as a significant and potential threat to children.  Accessing, making and storing indecent images of children on the internet is illegal. This will lead to criminal investigation and the individual being barred from working with children and young people, if proven.

Adults should not use equipment belonging to their organisation to access adult pornography; neither should personal equipment containing these images or links to them be brought into the workplace. This will raise serious concerns about the suitability of the adult to continue to work with children.

Adults should ensure that children and young people are not exposed to any inappropriate images or web links. Organisations and adults need to ensure that internet equipment used by children have the appropriate controls with regards to access e.g. personal passwords should be kept confidential.

Where indecent images of children or other unsuitable material are found, the police and Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) should be immediately informed. Adults should not attempt to investigate the matter or evaluate the material themselves, as this may lead to evidence being contaminated which in itself can lead to a criminal prosecution.

This means that staff should:

• follow their organisation's guidance on the use of IT equipment (see Access to Computers and Internet Safety Guidance)
• ensure that children are not exposed to unsuitable material on the internet
• ensure that any films  or material shown to children and young people are age appropriate

End