Video, Photography & Safeguarding Policies
Photography & Filming Children at Unlimited Dance Company
Clubs often want to celebrate the achievements of their junior members through taking photographs or films. This section of the policy will help to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect children and young people from the inappropriate use of their images in resources and media publications, on the internet and elsewhere. Images can be used as a means of identifying children when associated with personal information e.g. this is X who lives at y; X is a member of the Z sports club and likes a certain music group. This information can make a child vulnerable to an individual who may wish to contact and start to “groom” that child for abuse – online (e.g. through websites or social networking) or through direct contact in the “real” world. The guidance applies whether images are taken using cameras, mobile phones or any other equipment – and applies to both still and video images.
Rules to be obvserved
Ensure parents/guardians and children have given their consent for the taking and publication of photographic images and have signed and returned an appropriate “permission form”. Explain how and when photographic images/video will be used (e.g. club web site, newsletter or press)
All children must be appropriately dressed.
Photography or recording should focus on the activity rather than a particular child or children and personal details that might make a child vulnerable, such as their exact address, should never be revealed.
Where possible, photographs/recordings should represent the diverse range of children participating at UDC This might include:
• Boys and girls
• Children from minority ethnic communities
• Disabled children
• Children wearing glasses
Where possible do not include the name of a child whose image is being used. If naming a child or group of children in an image, only use first names, as this will reduce the risk of inappropriate, unsolicited attention from people within and outside the sport. Avoid the inclusion of other detailed information about individual children
Anyone taking photographs or recording at any UDC event, regardless of equipment used and including mobile phones, must have a valid reason for doing so and seek the permission of the person in charge (at the event or club)
All concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported to the UDC Safeguarding Officer, as appropriate.
Think about the level of consideration that you give to the use of images in all publications, e.g. the processes used in choosing photographs or film for publication. Apply an increased level of consideration to the images of children used on websites. Simple technology features such as watermarking may dissuade third parties from using or attempting to access controlled imagery.
Use of photographic/filming equipment by the media at Unlimited Dance Company events
There is evidence that some people use sporting events as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of children.
While this might be rare in Dance all those involved have a duty of care to children to ensure that this risk is as small as possible. By taking some simple steps, risks will be reduced.
If professional photographers are commissioned or the press is invited to a dance activity or event, it is important to ensure they are clear about expectations of them in relation to the welfare of children:
The photographer/camera person must have bona fide identification and be able to produce it on request.
Participants and parents must be informed that a photographer/camera person will be in attendance at an event and ensure that they consent to both the taking and publication of films or photographs.
Do not allow unsupervised access to classes or one-to-one photo sessions at events.
Do not approve/allow photo sessions outside the event or at the child’s home.
Event organisers could consider issuing a coloured identification label or badge on the day which can serve to highlight those who have permission to photograph or film.
Use of photographic/filming equipment by parents and spectators
If parents or other spectators are intending to photograph or video at an event they should also be made aware of the requirements of this policy. All those using photographic or video equipment (including mobile phones) should register with the Event Organiser prior to taking images of children.
Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves, if requested, and state their purpose for photography/filming.
In addition:
Participants and parents should be informed that if they have concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography/filming, these should be reported to the event organiser or official and recorded in the same manner as any other child protection concern
Event organisers should approach and challenge any person taking photographs who has not made his/herself known and/or registered with them. They might need to refer it to the local police force if this person continues to record images unauthorised.