Reflecting, Respecting and Documenting With Intention
There has been a lot of conversation recently across early childhood education about the use of photos. Many educators are asking:
“Should we still be taking photos?” “Is it okay to keep using online platforms?” “What does ethical documentation look like right now?”
These are thoughtful and important questions. Taking the time to reflect on our practice, especially when it involves images of children, shows professionalism and care. The answer is yes, we can continue using photo documentation. What matters is how we do it, and why.
Why We Use Photos in Early Childhood
In early childhood education and care, photos are more than a record of what happened. They capture:
• Moments of curiosity, problem solving and persistence
• The everyday learning that happens through play
• Children’s strengths, voices and relationships
• Evidence of learning that links to planning and reflection
• Meaningful communication with families
The Early Years Learning Framework highlights documentation as a key part of assessment for learning, encouraging educators to collect, analyse and share meaningful information about children’s learning and development. When used intentionally, photos help us build strong partnerships with families and inform ongoing curriculum decisions. Photos can often show a thousand words.
What Ethical Photo Use Looks Like
Ethical image use begins with intention. It’s not just about whether we take photos, but why and how we use them. Before capturing or sharing a moment, pause and consider:
• Does this photo have a clear purpose that supports learning or communication
• Is the child shown in a way that maintains their dignity and privacy
• Have I checked that consent is current and clear
• Would this image feel right if it were shared with the child’s family
• Is this a moment the child would feel proud to have captured
When we take a moment to reflect, we create a culture of respect, one that values children’s rights, family trust and professional integrity.
Everyday Tips for Ethical Photo Use
Ethical photo documentation doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s about thoughtful, everyday decisions that reflect your values, protect children’s privacy, and ensure families feel respected and included. Here are some key practices to support confident, professional image use in your service:
• Check family consent regularly
Always ensure you have current, written consent before taking or posting photos. If there’s any uncertainty, check with a team leader or revisit the enrolment form. Consent is not a one-time tick box – it’s ongoing and can be updated at any time.
• Involve children where appropriate
Offer children real choice around photo-taking, where possible. This reinforces trust and helps build their sense of agency. See the section below for ways to approach this.
• Avoid photos during private or sensitive moments
Do not take photos of children when they are upset, unwell, asleep, or engaged in personal care. These are moments that deserve privacy and dignity.
• Be mindful of the background
Before taking a photo, pause to look at what else is in the frame. Check for other children, personal belongings, or anything that might be inappropriate or distracting. A quick scan can prevent accidental breaches of privacy.
• Focus on meaningful learning
Aim to capture genuine engagement, exploration, relationships, or progress, not just “cute” moments or posed smiles. Ask yourself what this image says about the child’s learning and how it contributes to your documentation.
• Keep image use purposeful and intentional
You don’t need to photograph everything. One meaningful photo that tells a clear story is more powerful than five rushed ones. Quality over quantity helps maintain focus and reduces digital clutter.
• Check in with colleagues when unsure
If you’re not confident about whether a photo is appropriate to share, ask another educator or your nominated supervisor. Ethical practice is a shared responsibility, and reflective conversations can help shape team understanding.
Involving Children in the Process
Children have the right to be involved in decisions that affect them, including how their image is used. Inviting them to participate in these moments shows respect, supports agency and strengthens relationships.
“Would you like me to take a photo of your painting?”
“Do you want to be in the photo or just your creation?”
The EYLF encourages educators to recognise children as capable and involved learners who actively participate in their own learning journeys. This also reflects Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states that children have the right to express their views and be heard in matters that affect them.
Even very young children can engage in this process when choices are offered calmly and clearly. It builds trust and helps them feel respected, safe and seen.
Using Kinderloop Confidently
Kinderloop is a private platform designed specifically for early childhood educators, unlike social media platforms. It supports meaningful documentation and family connection without compromising privacy or professionalism.
You can feel confident knowing that:
• Posts tagged with one child are only visible to that child’s family
• Families cannot see the names of other children in posts
• When a child is archived, their family no longer receive new content
• Archived staff members lose access to Kinderloop immediately
• Your service is always in control of who can view, post or manage content
There is no public sharing, no external access, and no surprises. Kinderloop puts you – the educator – in charge of how, when and with whom content is shared. When used with intention, it’s a tool that strengthens partnerships with families and supports your reflective, child-centred practice.
Is It Time to Review Your Policy
With changes to national regulations coming in September 2025, now is a good time to review your service’s photo and documentation policies.
You might consider updating:
• When and why photos are taken
• How consent is gathered and reviewed
• Where and how digital/photo/video content is stored and shared
• What ethical documentation looks like in practice
A well-written, up-to-date policy supports clear communication with families and helps your team feel confident in their shared approach.
Moving Forward with Care and Confidence
Photos still have a valuable place in early childhood education. When used with thoughtfulness and purpose, they support learning, reflection and connection. They show children that their stories matter.
As educators, you already work with great care. You reflect. You adjust. You put children first.
Continue documenting what matters.
Use your judgement.
Keep children’s rights and dignity at the centre.
And feel confident knowing that with the right practices in place, you are doing the right thing.
Want a handy reflection tool post to share with your staff? Head to the Community Walls area in Kinderloop and select the ‘Critical Reflection Corner’ to view the: Reflection Tool: Ethical Photo Use post. Click on the edit option to copy it into your Kinderloop and start the conversation with your team.
📸 Photo: Photo by Amina Filkins: https://www.pexels.com/photo/positive-diverse-children-taking-photo-on-instant-photo-camera-5560471/
