Dear Ethicist:
The Deaf students in my high school went on an end of the year field trip and I joined them as the interpreter. The students wanted a group picture in front of the museum that included me. Can I be in a group picture with the kids, on the kids’ phones? I don’t know how they will use the picture. (I also want a picture with the kids and me because I’ve been working with them all year and I’m fond of them.) What should I do?
Signed,
I Promise Not to Instagram the Picture
Dear Not Instagramming,
Cameras are ubiquitous these days. It’s impossible to avoid getting shot on camera, intentionally or not. (Who knows how many shots I’ve photo-bombed.) However, this group shot commemorates an important event and the end of a school year.
Humanity is allowed, though confidentiality must be in the forefront of your mind. Not only are you on an interpreting job, you’re on a job with minors. Take your cue from the teachers and other members of the educational team. Teachers are permitted to be included in group pictures with their students. So, you are, too. Yet, you have some restraints.
- Do not post the picture on any personal social media site, as per the NYC DOE social media policy. This isn’t even an ethical issue, it’s a legal one: “The posting or disclosure of personally identifiable student information or confidential information via personal social media sites, in violation of Chancellor’s Regulations, is prohibited.” (NYC Department of Education Social Media Guidelines.)
- Additionally, if a student posts the picture on their personal site, do not tag yourself in the photo. You shouldn’t be following student on social media, anyhow.
- A teacher may post the group picture to an appropriate school social media site if each of the students has signed a written waiver and you’ve given oral permission. Still, do not tag yourself.
- Do not take pictures with individual students.
- If you snap a couple of selfies–sans students–it would be prudent to resist posting them to social media. Confidentiality breaches turn up in unsuspecting ways. If you must post the selfie of you in front of the Hamilton box office, at least wait a few days after the event.
Of course, if you feel more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it, offer to take the group shot. In most likelihood, the students will be so focused on their own appearances that they won’t realize you’re not in the picture.
