Seeing your child on the stage at their school’s carol concert or Nativity play is a proud moment.
As their time to shine approaches it’s understandable that parents want to capture the moment on camera, or perhaps video to relive those precious memories years down the line.
After all, what harm can there be in parents and other relatives snapping a few photographs for the scrapbook and preserving the memory in perpetuity?
Well, as it transpires, the matter is not quite as clear as you might imagine, and parents are often finding there are restrictions or even bans on recording or photographing certain school events such as nativities, concerts or even sporting events.
So what are the issues involved in making this a thorny bone of contention?
Sadly, much of the debate has arisen because of the sheer amount of unsavoury content which keeps being posted on social media, be it Facebook, Instagram, or other sites – a veritable Wild West where regulation is still very difficult, if not impossible.
The sad fact is that while 99.9% of the crowd at a carol concert are only interested in cheering on their child, as they take part in group or individual performances, it only takes somebody with bad intentions to ensure these youngsters are subject to all the wrong type of publicity and invasion of privacy.
And, if that’s a depressing reflection on the world we live in, schools nowadays face these challenges on a daily basis.
Parental permission very important
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman told me this week: “Most parents and carers are given every reasonable opportunity to take photographs or videos involving their children in school activities.
“However, there are occasions where some children involved in an event – such as a school nativity, a concert or a pantomime – do not have parental permission to be photographed. In instances such as this, this is taken into account, and a judgement will be made by school staff for that specific event.”
As long ago as December 2002, parents in Edinburgh were banned from filming and photographing school Nativity plays and carol concerts because of fears that the images could be exploited by paedophiles.
The Times reported that the guidelines, which covered all 235 of the city’s council-run nursery departments and primary, secondary and special schools, were viewed by some politicians and parent groups as an over-reaction.
Prof Sarah Pedersen, of RGU, said she understood why local authorities had implemented a ban on some school events being filmed or photographed.
She said: “Social media has been a game-changer here. Where previously photos and videos would be placed in the family album or shared with doting grandparents, they are now to be found on Facebook, Instagram or even X [formerly Twitter].
A blanket ban avoids stigma
“This raises major privacy issues for all the children involved. We have no idea of what is going on in the lives of other families in a school, but it is very possible some parents are trying to keep their children safe from a former abusive partner or that a child in care needs protection.
“This is information the school cannot and should not share. A blanket ban avoids singling a child out as ‘not to be photographed’.
“Maybe just enjoy the moment for what it is, rather than feeling the need to preserve every single second on a mobile phone.
“There are also wider concerns about your own child’s privacy. Children today have a digital footprint before they are even born, with scans being uploaded to social media by proud parents. There have already been court cases where teens have demanded that all photos and videos of them be removed from the Internet.”
‘Safety takes priority’
Scottish Conservatives Councillor for the Kincorth, Nigg and Cove ward of Aberdeen Richard Brooks said while he understood the frustrations around the issue, the safety of children was the priority.
He said: “As the dad of three kids who went to school in Aberdeen, I totally sympathise with those who are frustrated by this seeming ‘red tape’.
“Having a record of Sports day, nativity, carol and choir involvement is important to most parents, especially in those early years.
“However, when you hear how footage and images can fall into wrong hands, and what this can lead to, I would ‘play it by the book’ for the sake of my children and those around them.
“But I totally understand the frustration of parents. What I would try to do is contact the school in advance and make sure these moments are recorded and can be shared with parents safely.
“We unfortunately live in an age of such ills that the safety and security of our children takes priority for schools and parents alike.”
Getting the balance
Meanwhile. Ross Grant, Aberdeen Labour councillor for the Tillydrone, Seaton and Old Aberdeen area explained how parents are asked at the start of term about their wishes regarding photography of their children.
He said: “At the start of term, parents are asked to confirm if they do not want to have their child photographed or filmed in school-related activities and from my experience, at school, this is respected.
“Last week, as a dad, I had the most wonderful afternoon attending one of my children’s Christmas concert.
“Proud parents were permitted to take photographs of the concerts in line with the current ACC policy which tries to get the balance right between keeping all our children safe and allowing parents the chance to capture a proud milestone of their children.
“The particular format was well thought through and left plenty space for mums and dads to get a clear view of the concert without obstructing other parents’ views.”
