We are delighted to announce a new approach to the use of student images across our digital communications, placing the protection, dignity and wellbeing of children at the heart of its decision-making.
The move reflects growing global awareness of the challenges posed by artificial
intelligence, image manipulation, content republication and the increasing difficulty of
controlling how images may be used once they enter the digital environment. The
College believes these challenges will continue to evolve as new technologies and
forms of digital media emerge in the years ahead.
As a Catholic and Lasallian school, De La Salle College, Jersey believes it has a
responsibility not only to educate young people for today’s world, but also to consider
how best to protect them in the digital world they will inherit.
Headteacher Nicholas Belcher said:
“Every generation faces new challenges, and schools have a responsibility to adapt as
society changes. The rapid development of artificial intelligence and other digital
technologies has created an important moment for schools to reflect on how they
safeguard children beyond the school gates.
De La Salle College, Jersey believes as part of our Catholic and Lasallian values that
every child possesses an inherent dignity that deserves protection. While we are proud
to celebrate our students and share the wonderful life of our College, we must also
recognise our responsibility to consider how their images and digital identities may be
used not only today, but in the future.”
The College emphasised that the decision is not a withdrawal from community
engagement or from celebrating student achievement. Instead, it represents a
commitment to finding new and innovative ways to tell the stories of the College while
ensuring children remain at the centre of every decision.
“This is not about celebrating our students less. It is about recognising that the digital
landscape is changing rapidly and that schools have an opportunity to lead rather than
wait to be led.
We want to be proactive rather than reactive. If we genuinely place children first, then
we should be willing to ask difficult questions about long-established practices and
ensure that our approach remains appropriate for both current and future digital
environments.
We hope our decision contributes positively to a wider conversation about how schools,
families and society can work together to protect young people whilst continuing to
celebrate their achievements and successes.”
The College believes the discussion around children’s digital rights, privacy and online
protection will become increasingly important in the years ahead and hopes its
approach will encourage thoughtful debate across Jersey and beyond.
For De La Salle College, Jersey, the decision is ultimately rooted in a simple principle:
as technology continues to evolve, the dignity, wellbeing and protection of children
must remain constant.