Peril-prone prying paths

As schools engage in posting reels with students to increase their digital presence, experts warn of risks and share solutions

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schools are asking for parental consent, but does it count if they are not allowing the parents to make an informed choice? The answer is no.

The consent form, at all costs, needs to explicitly state the risks that are associated with posting photographs and videos to their openly available and accessible accounts on the Internet,” she explains, adding that schools don’t even include a simple note in their captions asking others not to reuse the content without authorisation — even if such a disclaimer may offer little legal protection in case of mishaps.

Another parent said that their child’s school had a policy of not taking classroom photographs or pictures, but that they do post photos and videos from celebrations, annual day, and sports day.

“They don’t really ask consent, but it’s understandable, I guess.”

Four other parents, meanwhile, said that their respective wards’ schools took classroom photos and videos that were used for internal purposes, such as the schools’ newsletters. But when asked whether the school had provided any documentation assuring that these photos and videos wouldn't be repurposed — or that they would take responsibility if they were — parents said no such assurances were given. One of them even questioned, “What could possibly go wrong?”