Parents in Dubai are being urged to think twice before taking photos or videos on school premises, as private schools are strengthening requirements regarding the filming and distribution of images that may include other students.
A recent circular sent to parents of one Dubai school asks families and visitors to refrain from photographing or recording video where other staff or students might be captured without proper consent.
The circular states: 'In accordance with UAE privacy requirements and recent recommendations that are being reinforced in private schools, we kindly ask parents and visitors to refrain from photographing or recording video on school grounds where other students or staff may be captured without their consent.'
These guidelines apply not only to classrooms but also to corridors, playgrounds, assemblies, as well as drop-off and pick-up zones for children. Parents are also prohibited from sharing photos or videos of other students on social media, WhatsApp groups, or other digital platforms without obtaining consent.
This step reflects a broader effort to protect children's privacy and ensure their safety in an increasingly digital school environment. According to UAE Federal Decree No. 45 of 2021 on personal data protection, personal data generally cannot be processed without consent, except for specific exceptions provided by law. This legislation establishes requirements for the confidentiality, security, and privacy of personal data.
For schools, this complements the regulatory framework of Dubai's private schools, which obligates institutions to protect and preserve students' rights by taking necessary protective measures. Current KHDA protocols also view photography as a privacy issue, asserting that filming students in vulnerable situations violates their right to privacy.
This means that even a seemingly harmless family photo can cause problems if another child is clearly visible in the background, and the image is subsequently distributed outside the family. This issue increases when photos leave a parent's phone and enter WhatsApp groups, social media, or other digital spaces where further control over distribution is difficult.
The circular does not aim to completely prohibit parents from capturing important moments in their own children's lives. Instead, it asks families to adhere to established school agreements at special events, while schools provide clear instructions on when and where photography is permitted. The circular emphasizes: 'Official school photography will continue to follow our established procedures for consent and protection.'
This distinction is significant for parents attending concerts, assemblies, sports days, and other school events: an invitation to the school premises does not automatically mean that any child present can be photographed or filmed. This approach is also consistent with practices already adopted in Dubai schools, where photo and video policies typically require parental consent for the use of children's images and set restrictions regarding school events and social media.
