UAE schools tighten photo rules to protect children’s privacy

Schools in Dubai and Sharjah are tightening rules on photographing and filming children on campus, drawing support from parents and educators who say protecting students’ privacy must take priority over unrestricted sharing of school memories.

The restrictions prohibit parents, visitors and others from capturing or circulating students’ images without appropriate consent, including through WhatsApp groups, social media and other digital platforms. The measures have renewed discussion about how schools can protect children while allowing families to preserve important moments from school life.

Parents and visitors who photograph or record children on school premises without consent in Dubai or Sharjah could face fines of up to Dh500,000 if a complaint is filed, according to the reported guidance.

Nevita Pandya, CEO and Principal of GEMS International School – Dubai Hills, said clear guidelines help create a safer school environment where children can participate in activities without worrying that their images might be captured or circulated without permission.

Educators say the safeguards are particularly important in an age when photographs and videos can be shared instantly and reach audiences far beyond their original recipients.

Dr Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, Principal of Al Khaleej International School, cautioned that once an image is uploaded online, controlling who accesses it or how it is used becomes difficult. A photograph shared within a seemingly private group can potentially be forwarded, downloaded or circulated more widely.

For schools, the issue extends beyond campus rules to the wider responsibility of protecting children’s identities and personal information in the digital age.

Parents have also welcomed the emphasis on privacy, while calling for a balanced approach that recognises the importance of family memories.

Parent Suad Saleh supported the safeguards but said schools should focus on educating parents about responsible photography and sharing rather than imposing a blanket prohibition on all personal photographs.

The debate highlights the need to distinguish between taking photographs with proper permission and sharing images in ways that could compromise a child’s privacy. Clear communication between schools and families, educators say, can help ensure that parents understand when photography is permitted and what consent is required.

As schools strengthen their privacy practices, the central message is that a child’s image should not be treated as content to be shared freely. Protecting students requires cooperation among schools, parents and visitors, with consent and responsible digital behaviour at the heart of that effort.