Appendix 6 - Photography​

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Filming and photography

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Since the Data Protection Act 1998 organisations must take great care in the ways they create and use photographs or film footage involving children. This does not mean that pictures should not be taken or that filming should be prohibited. However, certain protocols should be followed in order to comply with legislation, as well as to safeguard children:

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• permission must be obtained from parents/carers before a photograph is taken or film footage recorded. Consent forms are provided with the Master copy of the Safeguarding Policy

• it must be made clear why images or films are being made, what they will be used for, who might see them and where they will be stored

• children and young people should be asked if they want to be filmed or photographed

• use group photographs of children where possible and ensure that individuals cannot be identified by any personal details such as their name, email address, postal address or telephone number

• all photographs should be appropriate and respectful of the subject.  For example, the photographer should ensure that the subject is appropriately dressed, etc.

• photos and other digital media should be stored in a secure location. This should be on a church computer.  However, if this is not possible, it is important to record where the photographs and digital media are stored

 

Abusive/Illegal Images of Children

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The possession of abusive/illegal images is a form of child exploitation. It is an offence for a person to:

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• take, permit to be taken or to make any indecent photograph or other image of a child

• distribute or show such indecent photographs or images

• have, in their possession, such indecent photographs or images with a view to distributing or showing them to others

• publish or cause to be published any advertisement likely to be understood as conveying that the advertiser distributes or shows such indecent photographs or images, or intends to do so

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Under section 160(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, possessing an indecent photograph or other image of a child is a criminal offence.