YOUNG CREATORS · RESPONSIBLE MAKING
What should parents and tweens agree on before filming other people or sharing their voices, faces, artwork, or usernames?
Recording someone’s voice, face, artwork, or online username changes the situation: it creates a record that may be shared beyond the immediate moment. Before filming or sharing, parents and tweens should agree on what counts as permission, who needs to be asked, and how to protect privacy and respect creators’ rights. This article outlines what to discuss, step-by-step agreements suitable for different ages, and a realistic preparation and review routine that keeps sharing private and family-centered unless explicit, documented permission exists for wider sharing.
Core principles to agree on first
1) Consent over assumption: Always ask before you record or use someone’s voice, face, artwork, or username. Consent must be voluntary and informed—explain how the recording will be used and who might see it.
2) Minimise identifying details: Even with consent, consider whether you need names, locations, or usernames. If a personal identifier isn’t necessary for the story or content, omit or anonymise it.
3) Adult co-review: An adult should be involved whenever recordings involve other people, especially children, younger teens, or people who are not family members. The adult’s role is to confirm consent and oversee privacy decisions.
Practical agreement items to discuss and write down
1) Who to ask: Decide who needs to be asked (everyone filmed, parents of children under a certain age, the creator of artwork). For school settings, follow school policies and teacher guidance in addition to family rules.
2) How to ask: Agree on a script the tween can use: "May I record you saying X and share it only with family?" or "Are you comfortable letting me include your drawing in my private portfolio?" Keep the language simple and give people time to say no.
3) Scope of permission: Make clear whether permission is for family-only viewing, a private link, or public posting. Default to the narrowest option (family-only) unless explicit permission for wider sharing is obtained and documented.
When artwork and usernames are involved
1) Artwork: For another person’s artwork, ask about licence and attribution. If you plan to transform or remix it, the artist’s permission is required. If you can’t get permission, use only original artwork or creative commons/licensed assets where the licence allows your intended use. Keep licence records in the project folder.
2) Usernames: Usernames can be identifying. Avoid sharing usernames publicly without the owner’s clear permission. When a username is necessary for attribution, consider using truncated or anonymised forms for family sharing and check the owner’s comfort level before any external sharing.
3) Voice recordings: Voice can be personally identifying and sensitive. For any recording of a minor’s voice, get parental permission. If someone asks to withdraw permission, stop sharing and remove the recording where possible.