Guidelines
on Use of Modern Technology
when Working with Children
Use
of photography and video
The
use of photography and video
is an issue of great concern
among those working with children.Ê
The Diocese recognises that
every parish has their own arrangements
in relation to its use in schools,
youth groups and for the sacraments
however the guidelines have
been devised below to aid parishes
and diocesan groups:
-
it is always good practice to
seek written permission from
a parent or guardian before
taking any photographs or video
footage of children. This written
permission must be sought from
the parent/guardian or the person
who owns the photograph before
it can be displayed on promotional
materials or websites.Ê
This can be incorporated in
the registration form whe n
a child joins a group (template
permission Resource 10);
-
neither names nor any personal
information should be displayed
alongside any photographs;
-
special consideration should
be given where taking photographs
or video footage might be misinterpreted,
or the images could be seen
as provocative (e.g. beach trip
or gymnastics display etc).
It
is not to say, however, that
with the right planning, these
events cannot be recorded and
enjoyed. Photography and video
recording are important methods
of recording social activity
and providing an historic record
- illustrating and validating
important moments in people’s
lives.
This
process is a powerful and personal
one, and therefore, we must
respect the rights of everyone
to make the choice whether or
not to be photographed
