By Charmaine Ndlela
Before you post, pause.
Sharing images of children without consent is not only unethical, but it may also be unlawful and expose learners to serious harm.
In South Africa, legislation such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), the Children’s Act, and the Films and Publications Act exists to safeguard children’s rights, privacy, and safety. Any identifiable image, including a child’s face, name, school uniform, or location, is classified as personal information and requires explicit consent before being shared.
The debate has intensified following a viral incident at Thembalethu Primary School, where a Grade 1 learner was filmed and shared online without proper consideration of the consequences. The case has reignited questions about whether teachers should be prohibited from posting learners on their personal social media accounts.
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Legal experts warn that once an
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