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Related issues
This section includes information on other issues that principals and school boards need to be aware of.
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Inappropriate content
Principals and trustees are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the content of material used in their school is appropriate for the age of the students.
All commercially available films, videos, and DVDs in New Zealand are classified by the Office of Film and Literature Classification.
Schools must comply with the restricted age ratings and create and enforce a policy about showing 'parental guidance recommended' rated material to students. This policy should specify the level of parental consent that is required for works with different ratings.
Cyber safety
Some websites may not be appropriate for viewing by students of certain ages. Schools need a cybersafety policy to empower students with the skills to use good judgement about viewing websites and what to do when inappropriate material appears on screen or in an e-mail.
For help with cyber safety policies and issues and to obtain Netsafe kits, see the Netsafe website.
Copyright and privacy interact when identifying information about students is shown or published. This is most likely to happen when photographs and videos of students are shown or published.
Written permission
Written permission needs to be obtained from the student's parents or guardians (in the case of primary students) and the student as well (in the case of secondary students) for any use of photos and other identifying information about students.
When devising a permission form for use of student photos or videos, include any future planned or possible use the school may wish to make of the material (such as using it in publicity material and on the school website) as well as the immediate situation, since obtaining permissions retrospectively can be very difficult.
Under the Privacy Act 2020, the school should not release any material that contains personal information about students or employees without permission from the student's parents or guardians (in the case of primary students) and the student as well (in the case of secondary students).