Can I film my child's swimming lesson with a GoPro?

Most UK leisure centres do not allow photography or filming on the pool deck without prior written permission, and any filming must avoid the changing rooms. Ask the centre's duty manager and the coach before bringing a camera, and respect their policy if they say no.

Do I need consent to film other children at my child's match?

Yes, in most circumstances. NSPCC CPSU guidance recommends that clubs obtain parental consent before children are filmed or photographed for club activities. Even if the club has not asked, you should not share footage that identifies other children without their parent's agreement.

Is live streaming a kids' fixture safe?

It can be, with consent from every participating family and the club. Without that, live streams can expose children's identities, club locations and routines to anyone watching. Default to off and ask first.

GoPro / Insta360 / DJI Osmo / Various

GoPro and Action Camera Safety Guide for Families

How families can use GoPro and other action cameras safely in changing rooms, swimming pools, schools and clubs, with consent and club-policy guidance.

Action cameras such as the GoPro, Insta360 and DJI Osmo are popular with sporty families. They are easy to mount on helmets, surfboards, bike bars and chest harnesses, which makes them fun but also creates safeguarding risks at pools, leisure centres, gymnasiums, dance studios and sports clubs. Most UK leisure venues ban recording in changing rooms outright and many sports clubs require parental consent before any child is filmed. Setting expectations and respecting club policy is more important than any specific camera setting.

Recommended age: 8+

Main risks

• Recording in changing rooms, pool sides and toilets in breach of venue policy and safeguarding rules
• Filming other children at training without parental consent
• Live streaming features being switched on unintentionally during practice
• Uploading footage to social media that identifies a child's club, school or training routine

Initial setup steps

Agree where the camera will and will not be used

Before the first outing, agree with your child that the camera does not go into changing rooms, toilets, pool sides during showers, or any private space at a venue.

Turn off live streaming and auto upload

In the camera's companion app, switch live streaming off and disable auto upload. This stops accidental broadcasts and keeps you in control of what gets shared.

Check club and school policy before filming

Speak to the coach, teacher or venue manager before recording. Many clubs have a written policy following CPSU guidance and will tell you which sessions can be filmed and how footage may be used.

Review footage together before sharing

Sit down with your child and review the day's clips. Blur or cut any frame showing another identifiable child whose parent has not consented. Strip metadata that includes precise location before posting.

Parental control settings

Live Streaming

Location: GoPro Quik app / Insta360 app > Settings > Live

Recommended: Off; passwords required to enable

Action cameras can live stream to YouTube and Facebook. Live streams from inside clubs or pools can expose children's location and routine.

Voice Control and Auto Upload

Location: Camera Settings > Voice Control / Quik > Auto Upload

Recommended: Auto upload off; voice control off in shared spaces

Auto upload pushes clips to the cloud without review, which can include accidental footage of other children. Voice control can trigger recording when others are speaking nearby.

Storage Review Before Sharing

Location: Camera SD card / Quik app library

Recommended: All footage reviewed before any sharing

Reviewing footage with your child before posting protects other children and gives you an opportunity to discuss what is and is not OK to share.

Club and Venue Policy

Location: Ask coach, school office or leisure-centre reception

Recommended: Confirmed in writing before any filming

Most UK sports clubs follow guidance from the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) that filming requires consent. Check the club's policy and parents' agreement before recording at training.