We want the Government to ensure that schools use secure, closed platforms for sharing student images, and to prohibit the use of public social media for this purpose. Schools should set the example for social media use.

Many secure, access‑controlled platforms already exist for schools to communicate with parents. Despite this, schools often default to free, public social media channels. Consent is usually given by parents, but children reach an age where they have the legal right to make decisions about their own data. In a school environment, the power imbalance makes it difficult for children to refuse or withdraw consent.