Arabic version: مدرسة بريسبان تحد من صور الطلاب على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي من أجل السلامة

An independent Brisbane secondary school has decided to stop sharing “recognisable” photos of its students on its official social media accounts. This move is part of an effort to protect students from potential dangers related to image manipulation and privacy concerns.

According to ABC News, Brigidine College, which is a Year 5 to 12 girls’ school, has adjusted its social media practices to include only images of students that do not clearly identify them. The school principal, Brendan Cahill, emphasized the importance of online safety, particularly in light of the risks posed by artificial intelligence and image manipulation technologies.

Feedback from parents regarding this change has been mostly positive, with many appreciating the school’s proactive approach. The school has also reduced the number of images uploaded per post and maintains a consent process for any images that feature students.

Criminologist Danielle Harris has praised the school’s decision and advocates for similar actions across other educational institutions. She pointed out that the risks associated with sharing identifiable images of children online are significant, including the potential for exploitation through manipulated images. Harris argues that schools should consider not sharing any identifiable photos at all to protect children.

Authorities, including the Australian Federal Police, have emphasized the importance of caution when it comes to posting images of students online. The eSafety commission supports the school’s decision, highlighting that any public image can be misused and travel beyond its intended audience. As technology evolves, the conversation around student image use continues to be a priority for educational institutions.