Teachers may not post pictures, videos of pupils

IN THE era of smartphones and social media, it has become normal to see videos and pictures of pupils online.

It could be pupils misbehaving or enjoying themselves with their teachers and peers.

While the uploading of videos and pictures may not be harmful, it is not allowed by law for teachers to do this without the permission of parents.

A photo may be innocent but it can contain: data used for facial recognition and location; personal information, health information and more.

A child’s identity could be stolen and photos photoshopped into or used on pornography sites.

Trafficking syndicates also reportedly use photos found online to identify a spectrum of children who fit the criteria of their clients.

Teachers who spoke to the Weekend Argus admitted to taking videos of the pupils without consent from parents.

Some admitted to knowing that they need consent but since parents had never had an issue with it, they did not see the need to ask.

Not only it is illegal to photograph minors, the Protection of Personal Information Act prohibits the distribution.

Founder of Parents for Equal Education South Africa (Peesa), Vanessa le Roux said she does not think parents know their rights.

“Just last week in Knysna I attended to a situation where a teacher, instead of stopping a fight, decided to take a video of the pupils.”

She said the department must do more in educating teachers about laws on photographing minors.

“At times teachers act recklessly around children; sometimes I understand that it’s an innocent act, but nothing is innocent anymore.”

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department had issued guidelines to schools regarding the acceptable use of mobile technologies in public schools which also includes responsible usage by both pupils and teachers.

“Public schools have been asked to draw up and publish a policy on the use of cellular phones and mobile devices with the input from all stakeholders and to take appropriate action against those that photographs or films, for example, a fight on the school premises and/or other individuals without their consent; sends harassing or threatening messages; or are in possession, viewing and/or circulating any unacceptable content such as pornography, abusive or age-restricted content.”