Photography of naughty behavior at primary school

[Lilacpurpleviolet]

Really want to know if iabu, hence posting here.

Teachers at our school (dc is in yR) take photos of children when they have done something naughty and show these as 'evidence' to parent and child at pick up, this is done in a very stern (angry) voice by the teacher.

For example, a boy scratched another boy. The boy who did the scratching was told off and the boy who was scratched was asked to stand still so that the teacher could take a picture. I'm not sure what they did with this image.

My dc got carried away and acted silly with a messy activity and ended up with messy marks all over her face and uniform. Other children also got messy. This was a 'play fight' so no aggression or nastiness by dc though I can see that the teachers would want to crack down on such behavior.

Anyway when I collected dc we were told very very sternly about what dc had been up to. The teacher then held a digital camera in my daughters face showing her close up pictures of her face with all the splashes whilst reprimanding my dc in a very intense voice.

The thing is that dc's face was still covered in splashes so there was really no need to show me this photographic 'evidence' as I could see it for myself. Also I have always supported the teacher and trust she wouldn't make things up. Why show me a photo of dc's 'misdemeanor'?

Am I being unreasonable to think this use of photography is 'shaming' for the child and really quite inappropriate?

Btw, I have spoken to the head who said that these particular photos of dc would be deleted. Still, I wonder if this type of use of photography is the norm in schools and what other people think about it. Is there a policy on such thing? Thanks.

This makes me sad, I wouldn't want my currently pre school child to encounter this kind of shaming and overreaction. Complain about the photos to all who will listen. Withdraw permission for your dd to be photographed.

I love it how you think it being an outstanding school in a nice area, would make the parents any better! My friend taught in an outstanding middle class school and the parents were a nightmare!

It's odd but maybe the teacher has had disbelieving parents thinking that their little darling can do no wrong.

Rather than moving your child speak to the head again and then if you have no joy write to the Chair of Governors and it will be addressed and possibly brought up a Governing body meeting.

BlinkingHeck that's not what I am implying here. It's more that I thought an outstanding school would have better ways of managing behavior. Also, I have always, from the beginning, sided with the teacher and addressed dc's behavior there and then in front of the teacher. I am aware that 'nice' mc parents can be a pita. My mil had to resign from her job as a secondary teacher due to such stress. But I'm digressing.

How weird.

Urggg, I'd hate this. That little 4 or 5 year old might have to go the whole day DREADING the feeling of the old "wait till your Father gets home" adage.

I thought with young children you deal with the "crime" and then move on, only informing parents if the teacher/school feel they should be informed or they want parents to deal with it at home as well.

The school I used to work took photos of extreme injuries. (Skin cut from a human bite requiring hospitalisation) The images were used as evidence that a child needed a different placement and not shown to parents. The photos were also evidence of how bad an injury was if the school was sued.

I think that the use of the photos as the OP described is bizzare. Small children often get covered in paint.

Reception children getting messy whilst painting, well I never. They really must clamp down on that .

I have signed a declaration that says I do not want the school taking or distributing images of my child as part of Data protection. What if kids at your school also have signed paperwork. 'Yes Paul you did hit Peter but I am going to put my camera down because of Mummy's signature'.

Sounds bizarre and rubbish. Can understand if there was evidence of physical attack and violence, but just for petty things. No!

"Have they got a lot of parents who routinely decide that their DC versions of events is the complete truth and ask for prof it's not ?"
I don't know but we are only a few weeks into reception so doubt that there has been any trouble like that. It's an "outstanding" school in a nice neighborhood fwiw.

I'd say this is a knee-jerk reaction to pressure being applied by parents who want to know the exact minute details of what happened and who was responsible. Whilst claiming that they believe their child's account of events.
It is OTT, but staff are probably trying to protect temselves from parental flack.
Taking photos of reception working is part of the recording process in every YR class I know, and has been for years. This is a new use for the camera.

This is what it has come to when parents believe every tale that their children go home and tell. I have witnessed incidents before now (hitting/kicking) and was told by the parents that my account was inaccurate.
I have been threatened in the past because I was 'siding' with the other child and parents have played down the impact of their child's behaviour. I have also had the complete denial that their child could not/would not do such a thing. I can see the reasons why this school has adopted this although it is not a strategy I would use.
Why should she not use a stern voice?

Definitely should have a meeting with the head to understand what the policy is on this. Then challenge that policy in writing to the chair of governors if you want to.

I can't imagine any circumstance that would make this photo/telling off thing ok, but you should go through the process of questioning and challenging before considering another school.

I can understand getting photographic evidence of something extreme. Important for a whole lot of arse covering and/or child protection reasons. It's ridiculous for something as trivial as getting silly with the paint pot, though. That's something to deal with immediately, terminate that morning's painting session for that child, if necessary, get them to help clean up the mess, if they're capable, and move on.

I would withdraw my consent for my child to be photographed or videod,giving my reasons for objecting if I were you,op.

I find that odd. Our school has always done the shaming by putting their name on the sad face on the wall.

I wouldn't move my dc for just one teacher. It's always a bit hit and miss whether you like their teaching style or whether they click with your dc. You get good years and bad ones.

Maybe they find it's the most effective way of stopping them doing it again.

that's awful i would go to the daily mail with it

I work in a primary school. I do not think this at all acceptable. Yes, to talking to parents about bad behaviour but taking photos as "proof" is just not on. I can't see how it helps child or parent and I would feel deeply uncomfortable if I wprked in a school with such a policy. It is also somewhat invasive for the child and as a parent I would be so worried that there were such photos out there that I had no control over.

It is so bizarre its almost funny. I work in a special needs settings where we often have to gather evidence of children's achievements. So someone will be say unpacking their bag independently for the first time and its like 'quick, grab a camera'. Here it seems kind of the opposite 'quick, grab the camera Bob throwing mud at Fred!'. Surely it takes up time that could be better used.

Not really sure what the problem is? Ot what is wrong with chioldren feeling shamed bu their misdeeds.
I would imagine most 'naughty' behaviour is stuff you can't photograph

The only time I have come across this was in a professional capacity. A child tried to strangle another child and they took the photo's of the child's neck to show the damage at a case conference as they were battling to get more help for the child who did it.

A nursery nurse was sacked for taking a photo of a child when they had toilet accident.

You need to bring it to the head's attention and if not take it further up the chain.

Does the teacher not have a sunshine and cloud board or a three warning system?

The consent form is for publishing/sharing photos.they are allowed to take them for their own use I think.

I wondered that too - do they delay helping the attacked dc to get the camera?

Not something I've really come across much and it isn't really part of our behaviour management, but when someone has a fairly serious injury in school we do sometimes photograph it as part of the "evidence" mainly to cover the school in the litigious culture of today. The parent of the child who went home with a scratch on their face would want it taken seriously, surely? My child saying its OK doesn't mean I would be happy that it was played down. Maybe there are plenty of parents demanding evidence of why their children are injured or dirtier than the acceptable level after a usual day at school. Most schools ban "play fighting" so it isn't surprising it is being cracked down on before accidental contact and injury escalates it beyond play.

Photographs are used a lot in EYFS as part of Learning Journeys, but I find it bizarre that it is being used to "humiliate" children. Sometimes photographic evidence makes it easier for them to see the impact of their actions. I think you need to ask to see the school's behaviour management policy and then discuss it in conjunction with photography with the HT. Withdrawing blanket photo consent for your child could prevent this, but your child would miss out on lots of other fun photo opportunities should you make that decision.