Should we have pictures of children on our website?

In the digital age, the question of whether to include pictures of children on your church's website is both significant and complex. While imagery can enhance engagement and convey a sense of community, careful consideration must be given to several factors. There are two questions that must be answered, the legal and the moral.

Generally speaking, there is no real privacy expectations when it comes to church. Taking pictures, therefore, falls within the legal side of the equation. The bigger question comes from more of a moral viewpoint than a legal one.

Privacy Concerns

One of the foremost considerations is the privacy of the children whose photos you may wish to use. Parents and guardians may have varying comfort levels regarding the public display of their children's images. Before including any photographs, consider implementing a policy that requires parental consent for the use of children's pictures. This not only protects the children but also builds trust with families in your community.

Safety and Security

Child safety is paramount. Consider the potential risks of sharing images online, even in a seemingly secure environment. While we all would love our children to come from backgrounds that keep their safety paramount, there are occasions where that is just not the case. Many times church leadership doesn’t know the history of an individual family.

While it is your choice to add a picture of children on your website, we recommend taking a very, very limited approach. The last thing a church would want to do is to endanger a child within their church. While it is ultimately the churches decision, we don’t recommend using the pictures you take of the church children on the website.

Alternatives to Photographs

If concerns about privacy or safety are significant, consider using alternative imagery. Stock images, illustrations, or generic images of children engaged in activities might serve as suitable substitutes. This approach can maintain a welcoming atmosphere without compromising safety or privacy.

Another approach is to take pictures using only things like small hands playing or feet running. This still provides an image without providing any identifiable information.