Jeddah, Sep 24 (IANS): The Ministry of Education has listed photography and videotaping inside schools as a cybercrime that violates the privacy rights of both teachers and students.
Accordingly, a student who takes a photo or video without obtaining prior permission will be ordered to write a commitment not to repeat the violation or referred to school counseling services.
In cases of defamation or blackmailing, the penalties will range from mark deduction, a month-long suspension or a transfer to another school, local media reported, quoting a circular of the ministry, on Friday.
The ban also covers school employees, visitors and parents. They cannot take photos or videos of male or female students without obtaining a written permission from the concerned education body. Any violation of these instructions should be reported, the circular said.
Students are also banned from carrying mobile phones to schools. If anyone fails to abide by this rule will be penalized, the ministry has warned.