Policy on Posting Photos of Minors

1. Purpose

This policy ensures the protection of minors’ privacy and safety when their images are considered for publication on our website. It establishes clear rules for obtaining consent, handling images, and responding to concerns.

2. Scope

• Applies to all staff, contributors, contractors, and community members who submit or upload content to the website.
• Covers all images, videos, or digital media that include individuals under the age of 18.

3. Consent Requirements

• Parental/Guardian Consent: Written, verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian is required before posting any identifiable image of a minor.
• Informed Consent: Consent forms must specify:
  • Where the image will appear (e.g., website, social media).
  • How long the image may be used.
  • The right to withdraw consent at any time.
• Group Photos: If minors are part of a group photo, consent must be obtained for each identifiable child.

4. Privacy & Safety Guidelines

• No Full Names: Do not publish minors’ full names alongside their images.
• No Sensitive Information: Avoid posting images that reveal addresses, school names, or other identifying details.
• Appropriate Content: Only respectful, non-exploitative, and context-appropriate images may be shared.
• Anonymization: When possible, use blurred faces or wide shots to reduce identifiability.

5. Compliance with Laws

• Adhere to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for children under 13, which requires verifiable parental consent before collecting or displaying personal information.
• Follow applicable state privacy laws that may impose stricter requirements.

6. Storage & Security

• Consent forms and related records must be securely stored.
• Images of minors must be protected against unauthorized access, copying, or misuse.

7. Withdrawal of Consent

• Parents/guardians may request removal of their child’s image at any time.
• Requests will be honored promptly, and the image will be deleted from all platforms under our control.

8. Reporting & Enforcement

• Concerns about unauthorized or inappropriate use of minors’ images should be reported immediately to the site administrator.
• Violations of this policy may result in removal of content, suspension of contributor privileges, or legal action if necessary.