Advice on pupil behaviour needed Post Reply

[windmill26]

Today I was waiting to cross the road with my child when a group of 3 Southfield Academy pupils walked by.One of them burped loudly in my ear and then continued walking and laughing about it with his mates.I really didn't want to run after him because my child was with me so the best I could do was a few "idiot and animal" in a not to loud voice but loud enough for him to hear me . I am kicking myself that I was not quick enough to take a pic with my phone as I was so incensed that I couldn't think straight! My intention is to keep an eye out next week and take a pic of him so I can show the Headmaster of Southfield Academy and he can deal with this.I feel that this kind of behaviour in unacceptable .I know that compared to robberies and stabbings this is nothing but I feel as a community we have to start making people(especially kids) accountable for poor behaviour. If my child was out there behaving this way I would be mortified! My question is; can I take a pic of him or is it a grey area?

[parsleysong]

I think it must be ok because otherwise we'd all be in jail, I mean how many times have we taken photographs on our phones with strangers in them, unintentionally or otherwise. Also, cctv is everywhere taking photos of our every movement and there is no law about that. Especially if you are recording someone doing something criminal or just disgusting and anti-social like the student you are talking about, I'm sure it's fine. Go for it. Just be sure to do it safely and out of sight in case he turns violent.

I don't know how much difference it will make though because if he's boldly going about behaving like that he is pretty much a lost cause and I doubt a telling off by the Head will set him on the right track.

[windmill26]

I think it must be ok because otherwise we'd all be in jail, I mean how many times have we taken photographs on our phones with strangers in them, unintentionally or otherwise. Also, cctv is everywhere taking photos of our every movement and there is no law about that. Especially if you are recording someone doing something criminal or just disgusting and anti-social like the student you are talking about, I'm sure it's fine. Go for it. Just be sure to do it safely and out of sight in case he turns violent.

I don't know how much difference it will make though because if he's boldly going about behaving like that he is pretty much a lost cause and I doubt a telling off by the Head will set him on the right track.

I know but I am willing to try.What I am hoping for is the Head having a chat with his parents.As I mentioned in my post I would be horrified if my child was out there behaving this way but I would like to know.I already had to report bad behaviour to the school twice last year . Once a student decided that was OK to kick the full row of outdoor light in my development and the second time a couple of female students were setting fire to homework books in the park !

[parsleysong]

I'm with you windmill - I'm also a person who tells off kids for doing stupid things like leaving their chicken and chips and empty cans rubbish in my garden. I would also be mortified if my kids behaved like that, but they don't and won't because I'm bringing them up to be decent people. I'm just saying that the parents of this kid are likely to be as bad or worse so don't expect too much. Good luck and well done for not ignoring the problem . Sounds like that school has a few kids with big issues!

[LastMumStanding]

Deliberately taking a photograph of a specific person without their permission is against the law. The police and security services have to get authorisation to do that. CCTV is targeted against locations (which do not have human rights) not individuals identified in advance.
In the end it boils down to how much risk you want to take - you could claim that you were taking a photo of something else (inanimate or your own child) and just happened to catch him in it - but remember he is a minor and the bar for child protection “concerns” is very low. If the school or parents went to the police with the photograph you could find it is you facing an investigation.

[Needcoffeenow]

I and a friend were photographing our local river when two schoolboys, in uniform entered the picture, in the process of tipping a supermarket trolley in. We called the school and told them about the incident, where it took place, described the boys and asked them to explain to them why this is a bad thing to do (!) not least because the trolleys are so difficult to get out of the water). We mentioned that we had them in a picture. The school said they would speak to the boys and the problem never recurred. We realised afterwards from talking to other residents that the same kids had been reponsible for several other trolleys in the river over the previous few months.

[nellie65]

Sorry Last mum standing but you are completely wrong !! It is not against the law to take any photo of anybody in a public place - hence all the Pap pics of celebs.
If he was in a public place you have ever right to take his photo - if he was in what was considered a private place e.g. A shop, cafe etc you can't. Or a school
Or on the driveway of a house
People believe they have the right not to be photographed in the street etc but they don't.
You could have taken his photo and sent it to the school with your complaint but it would be very much your word against his as to what he had done.
Police and special services don't have to get special
Permission to take photos they already have those powers.
As as a public person you only have the right not to be if you had an expectation of privacy -e.g. In a hotel restaurant etc
As regards photographing minors - if someone was seen taking photos of young children in a public place that they were not related to or obviously with - then you could of out of concern alert the police who may or may not investigate.
Taking someone's photo in a public place is not illegal

[dudette]

Yes, Nellie's absolutely right. It's most definitely NOT against the law. Having said that, I think you would have been crazy to take a photograph - we know from the number of stabbings that many kids carry knives. Having someone burp in your ear is a bit antisocial but it's hardly a crime and really not worth escalating. I think you were wise to leave well alone. Putting up with the behaviour of people who don't have the same values as us is I'm afraid part and parcel of living in a city.

[cats1]

Wow....You was incesnsed!......I was (incesnsed) when my Autistic Son was attacked with golf balls and nothing was done about it....get a grip and step into reality!

[parsleysong]

LastMumStanding  what law is it that says "deliberately taking a photograph of a specific person without their permission is against the law". ?

Surely the law isn't that I have to ask permission of a criminal in the act to take his/her photo. Just imagine: "Excuse me, I've just noticed you trying to break into my house/smash up my car/sell drugs/stab my neighbour - can I have your permission to take your photograph while you do it so I can give it to the police?"

What is the Act so that I can look it up. You might be right - I hope not - but I'd i'd like to know the actual specific law that you think says this.

[luvnyrick12]

It's the same with the john Bosco school in parkem stretch Battersea when they leave school there like wild animals being let out of a cage they scream and run along our streets knocking at people's doors throwing stones at cars if you tell them to stop you get a mouthful of abuse and it's a total east of time going to the school there out of control hooligans.thats been dragged up.they abused a pensioner last year calling him a pervert and several bad names.then teachers decided to escort some to the bus stops how bad can it get to do that .

[windmill26]

Wow....You was incesnsed!......I was (incesnsed) when my Autistic Son was attacked with golf balls and nothing was done about it....get a grip and step into reality!

Two wrongs don't make a right! Please explain the thinking process behind me not been in touch with reality when I expect people to behave in a civilised manner and not like animals?

[cats1]

So.....a teenager burps in your ear!.......ya know a teenager, growing up messing around being loud showing off.....that sounds awful. Nightmarish even. Just hope there's no long term effects, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. (I expect) you will be hounding down the assailant. Perhaps the area will be taped off for forensic evidence, and with a bit of luck they will be shamed in the School office, with a (black) Mark on their name, never to get a job or have any social standing! Have a wonderful evening Windmill 26.

[windmill26]

So.....a teenager burps in your ear!.......ya know a teenager, growing up messing around being loud showing off.....that sounds awful. Nightmarish even. Just hope there's no long term effects, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. (I expect) you will be hounding down the assailant. Perhaps the area will be taped off for forensic evidence, and with a bit of luck they will be shamed in the School office, with a (black) Mark on their name, never to get a job or have any social standing! Have a wonderful evening Windmill 26.

Wow! A bit unhinged are we? Calm down,the one that need to get a grip on reality is obviously you!

[cats1]

I'm unhinged!!! Loool...
Seriously!!! After the post you wrote about a teenager burping, you're calling me unhinged. I'm surprised you haven't asked for a line up and fingerprints. Some of the replies too (they are not like us)! Animals, cages, knives.....its all getting a bit out of hand for a burp! Some very interesting view points from (nappyValley)