Inappropriate Content

If you have a video with children in you must have parental consent to show the video. If you are in any doubt please contact us at admin@reefstream.com

If you have seen a video which does include inappropriate content or images please email us at admin@reefstream.com with the URL of the page and we will remove the video, suspend the account that uploaded the video, and co-operate with the police fully by handing over the user details of the person who uploaded the video.

Click here to download a parental consent form.

We have included some basic advice on the subject.

Photographs and images of children on websites and/or in publications.

There have been concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people through the use of photographs on web sites and other publications. Photographs can be used as a means of identifying children when they are accompanied with personal information, for example, - this is X who is a member of the Something Club and who likes Westlife. This information can make a child vulnerable to an individual who may wish to start to "groom" that child for abuse. Secondly the content of the photo can be used or adapted for inappropriate use. There is evidence of this adapted material finding its way onto websites, consisting of child abuse images.

Organisations and those providing services or activities to children and young people need to develop a policy in relation to their use of images of children and young people on their web sites and in other publications. They will need to make decisions about the type of images they consider suitable and that appropriately represent their activity, without putting children at increased risk. You should ensure that parents are aware of and support your policy.

If organisations are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate steps any potential for their misuse can be reduced.

The NSPCC would advise organisations to

• Consider using models or illustrations if you are promoting an activity.
• Avoid the use of both the first name and surname of individuals in a photograph. Restricting naming to first name only reduces the risk of inappropriate and/or unsolicited attention from people.

Easy rules to remember are:

• If the child is fully named, avoid using their photograph.
• If a photograph is used, avoid fully naming the child.
• Ask for parental permission to use an image of a young person. This ensures that parents are aware of the way the image of their child is representing the organisation or activity. A Parental Permission Form such as that attached is one way of achieving this.
• Consider asking for the child’s permission to use their image. This ensures that they are aware of the way the image is to be used to represent the activity. A children’s Permission Form is one way of achieving this.
• To reduce the risk of inappropriate use, only use images of children in suitable dress. With regard to the actual content it is difficult to specify exactly what is appropriate given the wide diversity of activities offered by organisations. However there are clearly some activities - swimming, gymnastics and athletics for example when the risk of potential misuse is much greater than for others. With these activities the content of the photograph should focus on the activity not on a particular child and should avoid full face and body shots. So for example shots of children in a pool would be appropriate or if poolside, waist or shoulder up.
• Create a recognised procedure for reporting any concerns regarding the use of inappropriate images. Follow your child protection procedures, ensuring your designated child protection officer and the Local Children’s Services and/or Police are informed.

First steps and things to think about...

Establish the type of images that appropriately represent the organisation and the activity for the Web. Apply an increased level of consideration to the images of children and young people used in the web site.

Think about the level of consideration you give to the use of images of children in other publications, for example, the processes involved in choosing appropriate images for the newsletter or magazine.

Guidelines for use of photographers at events

• Provide a clear brief about what is considered appropriate in terms of content and behaviour.
• Issue the photographer with identification, which must be worn at all times.
• Inform children and parents that a photographer will be in attendance at an event and ensure they consent to both the taking and publication of films or photographs.
• Do not allow unsupervised access to children or one to one photo sessions at events.
• Do not approve/allow photo sessions outside the events or at a young person’s home.

If parents or other spectators are intending to photograph or video at an organised event they
should also be made aware of your expectations.

• Children and parents should be informed that if they have concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography these should be reported to the event organiser or official who will act in the same manner as they would with any other child protection concern.

You may also find the following links useful:

CEOP (Child Exploitation Online Protection): Click Here


Child Protection and Sport Unit: Click Here


The Football Association: Click Here