At present, some schools do not allow photos or video recordings to be taken by parents because they fear that the taking of such pictures will breach the Data Protection Act.
Not so, says the ICO. Photographs taken purely for personal use are exempt from the Act. This means that parents, friends and family members can take photographs of their child and friends participating in school activities for the family album and can film events at school.
Only photos taken for official school use, such as identity passes, are covered by the Act, says the ICO, which warns that pupils and students should always be made aware as to why the photographs are being taken.
Photographs taken by the media are usually exempt from the Act.
"Our good practice guidance gives clear advice to schools about when data protection does and doesn't apply," said Assistant Commissioner Jane Durkin, "It is common sense that parents should be able to take photographs of their child at sports day. The Data Protection Act doesn't stop them."
