Think Before You Capture, Share or Post
Photography, filming and social media are a normal part of university life.
From graduation ceremonies and social events to academic achievements and everyday moments, images and videos help us document experiences and stay connected with others.
However, taking a photograph is not the same as sharing a photograph.
Before capturing, recording or posting content online, it is important to consider:
- Privacy.
- Consent.
- Safeguarding.
- Professional responsibilities.
- The potential impact on others.
A moment of reflection can help prevent harm and protect the dignity, privacy and safety of those around us.
Why Does This Matter?
Images and recordings can contain much more information than we realise.
They may reveal:
- Personal information.
- Locations.
- Identities.
- Relationships.
- Timetables and routines.
- Sensitive circumstances.
Once shared online, content can be:
- Downloaded.
- Screenshotted.
- Shared by others.
- Edited.
- Reposted.
- Viewed by unintended audiences.
In many cases, it may be impossible to fully remove content once it has been shared.
Consent Matters
Whenever possible, people should have a choice about whether they are photographed, filmed or recorded.
Before taking photographs or videos of others, consider:
Have they agreed?
Would they reasonably expect to be photographed?
Do they know the image may be shared?
Could sharing the image cause embarrassment, distress or harm?
Respecting people's choices helps create safer and more inclusive environments.
Taking Photos Versus Sharing Photos
Many people focus on whether a photograph can be taken.
Equally important is whether it should be shared.
Before posting online, ask yourself:
Do I have permission to share this image?
Could someone be identified?
Does the image contain personal information?
Could the image affect someone's privacy or safety?
Would I be comfortable if the image was shared about me?
Just because an image was taken lawfully does not automatically mean it should be shared publicly.
Children and Young People
Particular care should always be taken when children and young people appear in photographs, videos or recordings.
Children may be present at:
- Open days.
- Outreach activities.
- School visits.
- Summer schools.
- Family events.
- Graduation ceremonies.
- Community engagement activities.
Additional safeguarding considerations apply whenever children are involved.
Before Sharing Images of Children
Consider:
Do I have appropriate permission?
Has the University placed restrictions on photography for this event?
Can the child be identified?
Does the image reveal location information?
Would parents or carers expect this image to be shared publicly?
Avoid sharing images of children online where appropriate permissions have not been obtained.
University Events
The University may organise events where photography and filming are planned.
Examples include:
- Graduation ceremonies.
- Open days.
- Marketing activities.
- Outreach events.
- Public lectures.
- Community events.
Where official photography is taking place, organisers may:
- Provide advance notice.
- Use consent processes where appropriate.
- Identify photography-free areas.
- Restrict photography in certain locations.
Participants should respect any instructions provided by event organisers.
Lectures, Teaching Sessions and Meetings
Recording lectures, meetings or discussions can sometimes raise privacy, intellectual property and confidentiality concerns.
Before recording:
Consider:
Has permission been given?
Does the recording include other participants?
Does it contain sensitive information?
Could it affect someone's privacy?
Always follow university guidance relating to recording activities.
Placements, Practice Settings and Professional Environments
Students and staff involved in professional practice settings should exercise particular caution.
Never photograph, film or record:
- Patients.
- Service users.
- Clients.
- Children in professional settings.
- Confidential information.
- Sensitive workplace environments.
This applies even if:
- Names are not visible.
- You do not intend to share the content.
- The image appears harmless.
Confidentiality obligations continue in digital spaces.
Screenshots and Private Communications
Screenshots can sometimes feel informal because they are easy to take and share.
However, screenshots may contain:
- Personal information.
- Private conversations.
- Contact details.
- Images.
- Sensitive disclosures.
Before sharing screenshots, ask yourself:
Was this information intended to remain private?
Do I have permission to share it?
Could sharing it cause harm?
Am I respecting the trust of those involved?
Private conversations should generally remain private unless there is a legitimate reason for sharing them.
Social Media and Digital Footprints
Every post contributes to your digital footprint.
Content shared online today may still exist years later.
Before posting:
✓ Pause.
✓ Reflect.
✓ Consider the impact.
✓ Think about future audiences.
✓ Consider whether the content aligns with your values and responsibilities.
The internet rarely forgets.
When Sharing Becomes Harmful
Sharing images, recordings or content can become harmful when it:
- Embarrasses someone.
- Invades privacy.
- Breaches confidentiality.
- Enables bullying or harassment.
- Targets individuals.
- Creates safeguarding concerns.
- Damages trust.
Intent and impact are not always the same.
Something shared as a joke may still cause harm.
Supporting a Respectful Digital Community
We all play a role in creating safe and respectful digital spaces.
You can help by:
✓ Seeking consent where appropriate.
✓ Respecting privacy.
✓ Thinking before posting.
✓ Following university guidance.
✓ Challenging harmful behaviour safely.
✓ Protecting confidential information.
✓ Being mindful of safeguarding considerations.
What If I Am Concerned?
If you are concerned that:
- Images have been shared inappropriately.
- Someone's privacy has been breached.
- A child may be at risk.
- Confidential information has been disclosed.
- Online behaviour is causing harm.
Seek advice and report concerns through the appropriate university channels.
Early action can often prevent further harm.
Key Message
Photography, filming and social media can help us celebrate achievements, build communities and stay connected.
However, with that opportunity comes responsibility.
By respecting consent, protecting privacy and considering safeguarding implications before capturing or sharing content, we can help create a safer, more respectful and more inclusive university community for everyone.