E-Petition

The Petition of residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House that student yearbook images are being used by state schools for disciplinary, investigative, or identification purposes.

The current State Schools media consent form does not clearly explain this possible use to parents and caregivers of school-aged students. This lack of clarity can cause significant stress and distress to students and families, particularly where a student disputes the allegation, is vulnerable or anxious, or is subject to child protection, safety, or confidentiality concerns. There is also concern that practices may vary between schools, with limited transparency and safeguards.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call on the Minister for Education to review departmental policy and require clear statewide rules regarding the use of yearbook and school media images, including:

• clear parent information about any disciplinary or investigative use of school yearbook photos;
• clear parent notification where school images may be used for disciplinary or investigative purposes;
• transparent parent information about how student images may be used; and
• clear written disclosure to families about any such use.