Using photographs and images of children on websites and other publications
NSPCC Consultancy Services
Advice for community groups and other organisations working with children on using photographs and images of children
There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on websites and other publications.
Photographs can be used as a means of identifying children when they are accompanied with personal information, for example, - this is X who is a member of the Something Club and who likes Westlife. This information can make a child vulnerable to an individual who may wish to "groom" that child for abuse. Secondly the content of the photo can be used or adapted for inappropriate use. There is evidence of this adapted material finding its way onto websites, consisting of child abuse images.
Organisations and those providing services or activities to children and young people need to develop a policy in relation to their use of images of children and young people on their websites and in other publications. They will need to make decisions about the type of images they consider suitable and that appropriately represent their activity, without putting children at increased risk. You should ensure that parents are aware of and support your policy. If organisations are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate steps any potential for their misuse can be reduced.
NSPCC advice to organisations:
consider using models or illustrations if you are promoting an activity
avoid the use of both the first name and surname of individuals in a photograph. Restricting naming to first name only reduces the risk of inappropriate and/or unsolicited attention from people.
Rules to remember:
if the child is fully named, avoid using their photograph
if a photograph is used, avoid fully naming the child
consider asking for the child's permission to use their image. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the activity. A children's permission form is one way of achieving this
to reduce the risk of inappropriate use, only use images of children in suitable dress. With regard to the actual content it is difficult to specify exactly what is appropriate given the wide diversity of activities offered by organisations. However there are clearly some activities - swimming, gymnastics and athletics for example - when the risk of potential misuse is much greater than for others. With these activities the content of the photograph should focus on the activity not on a particular child and should avoid full face and body shots. For example shots of children in a pool would be appropriate, or, if poolside, waist or shoulder up
create a recognised procedure for reporting any concerns regarding the use of inappropriate images. Follow your child protection procedures, ensuring both your designated child protection officer and local children's services or the Police are informed.
First steps:
- establish the type of images that appropriately represent the organisation and the activity for the internet. Apply an increased level of consideration to the images of children and young people used in the website
- think about the level of consideration you give to the use of images of children in other publications, for example the processes involved in choosing appropriate images for the newsletter or magazine.
Guidelines for use of photographers at events:
provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour
issue the photographer with identification, which must be worn at all times
inform children and parents that a photographer will be in attendance at an event and ensure they consent to both the taking and publication of films or photographs
do not allow unsupervised access to children or one-to-one photo sessions at events
do not approve/allow photo sessions outside the events or at a young persons home.
If parents or other spectators are intending to photograph or video at an organised event they should also be made aware of your expectations.
Useful links
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre)
www.ceop.gov.uk
Child Protection in Sport Unit: Using photographs of children on websites
www.thecpsu.org.uk/Scripts/content/Default.asp?Page= OrgsPhotosOnWeb
The Football Association
www.thefa.com
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Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.