Camera/video phones in schools: law and practice

Author: Parry, Gareth

Source: Education and the Law, Volume 17, Number 3, September 2005 , pp. 73-85(13)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The emergence of mobile phones with built-in digital cameras is creating legal and ethical concerns for school systems throughout the world. Users of such phones can instantly email, print or post pictures to other MMS1 phones or websites. Local authorities and schools in Britain, Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and elsewhere have introduced outright bans on their use because of the problems or risks they pose if misused. Risks concerned with pupils surreptitiously photographing other pupils in changing rooms or photographing examination papers are obvious examples. The article examines some worldwide examples of the misuse of camera phones in schools and the issues and problems that emerged. A landmark decision concerning the European Data Privacy Directive (Directive 95/46/EC) in the case of Bodil Lindqvist by the European Court of Justice is explored and the implications for camera phones considered. The article concludes by stating that because of their ubiquity and social potency, it is probably a mistake and an overreaction for education authorities or schools to introduce blanket bans on the possession of camera phones. Rather they need to devise sensible agreements and policies on camera phone usage.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09539960500334053

Affiliations: 1: University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK

Publication date: 2005-09-01

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