School social media posts

[Beforetheend]

Both my dc are in secondary in Ireland and both their schools regularly post on Facebook.

Their primary school was very clued up on digital responsibility. We were asked annually for permission annually to use their image in sm. Photos of activities tended to be from the side/overhead and names were never used. They only posted on their own school blog.

I don’t believe I’ve been asked for consent by either secondary (although I could conceivably have missed something), and they regularly show the kids faces front on with full names. They also occasionally post information on where they will be - trips they’re going on, or which university a school leaver will be attending.

I’m curious whether this is the norm with schools or not and if I’m being unreasonable to raise it as a concern.

I personally would be concerned and feel uncomfortable if they were using photos, full names and information about my child’s whereabouts on a social media account that anyone can access. I would raise it as an issue.

I don't know about Ireland, but here, parents/carers generally have to opt out of having their child's image shared, rather than opt in. Schools wouldn't normally share full names (first name and surname). You could contact the school and say you don't give permission for their child's image to be used.

I think it's normal (unfortunately) but they should have given you the opportunity to opt out

We have twitter accounts for departments but have a list of kids we can't post photos of and only use first names.

Just email the school to opt out.

I'm in England, you have to opt out rather than in, it's very clearly signposted though.

The reality is they barely post kids images knowing SM, mainly because working out who has / hasnt got consent is a pita when working with groups.

In the UK parental consent is required before they can post images of your child online, not to mention names and location details. This is a GDPR and a safeguarding breach. It should be raised with the school asap.