Are we the Paparazzi
Who Are We Really Taking Photos For? A Conversation About Privacy, Consent, and Our Daybook Practice
At Silverdale Child Care Centre, our goal has always been to create a transparent environment where families feel connected to their children’s daily experiences. One of the ways we’ve done this is by sharing photos in our electronic “daybook” via the Xplor app. These snapshots offer parents a glimpse into what children have been up to throughout the day.
For some parents this is the first thing they scroll through during the day, offering comfort, joy, and a sense of involvement. But as times change and our awareness deepens, we believe it’s time to pause and reflect.
What Is a Digital Footprint?
In today’s digital world, every photo posted online—no matter how well-intentioned—contributes to a child’s digital footprint. This is a record that can follow them throughout their lives, often in ways we can’t predict or control. Once a photo is shared digitally, we lose track of where it can go, how it might be used, or by whom it might be saved or reshared.
This raises some important questions:
- Are we respecting children’s right to privacy when we post their faces online?
- Have we, in some ways, become “paparazzi” in the classroom, snapping photos out of routine rather than reflection?
- What if a child, when older, feels uncomfortable knowing their image was shared without their understanding or consent?
The Rights of the Child
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) offers powerful guidance on these issues. Article 16 protects a child’s right to privacy, while Article 12 affirms that children have the right to be heard in matters that affect them.
We often talk about promoting children’s agency and decision-making, yet when it comes to their image—something as personal as their face—we often make those decisions for them. In early childhood, they may not yet have the words to express how they feel about being photographed, but that doesn’t mean their rights are any less important.
This leads us to reflect: are we capturing moments to enhance children’s learning journeys, or are we unintentionally creating digital records for adult gratification or proof of our curriculum?
A Thoughtful Proposal
After some initial discussion and reflection, we are considering a change to our current Daybook practice. Specifically, we are proposing a reduction in photos of children’s faces – that Daybook entries feature photos of activities, learning environments, and children’s work—but not identifiable photos of children’s faces.
This doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from sharing learning. On the contrary, it’s about being more mindful and intentional. We want to document children’s thinking, creativity, and play in ways that honour their dignity and autonomy.
It also doesn’t mean we will never take photos of children’s faces like at our special events. It’s more about being mindful of the daily routines that happen on paparazzi autopilot.
We know this is a shift, and that it may feel different at first. But we also believe it’s a step towards more ethical, child-centred communication—one that aligns with our values of respect, rights, and long-term well-being.
We Invite our Families Input to our Proposal
We see families as partners in everything we do. That’s why we’re inviting our family’s feedback before making any permanent changes.
👉 To our current families, please share your thoughts by completing our short online survey emailed late May 2025 with our newsletter.
Your insights will help shape how we move forward ensuring we continue to honour not just the needs of families today, but the rights and futures of the children in our care.
This reflection is not about doing away with connection, but deepening it—with more care, more thoughtfulness, and more respect for the incredible people our children are becoming.