Personal data protection and privacy issues in education

The Study Visit Programme organised within the framework of the „Lifelong Learning Programme”

Programme title: „Personal data protection and privacy issues in education”

On 9-12 March 2010 the GIODO Bureau organised a study visit entitled “Personal data protection and privacy issues in education” addressed to representatives of European Data Protection Authorities and representatives of institutions dealing with education at basic and medium level.

The leitmotif of the visit was exchange of information and experience on the ways and methods of dissemination of knowledge on personal data protection addressed do children and youth. During the visit, the participants had a possibility to participate in meetings with representatives of Polish public institutions: the Ministry of National Education, the Education Information Network in Europe (EURYDICE), the Council of Europe Information Office, the Police and the Commissioner for Children’s Rights.

As a result of the meeting with the representative of the Ministry of National Education and the EURYDICE Office, the participants of the visit got acquainted with the Polish education system at basic and medium level. The meeting with the representatives of the Council of Europe Information Office gave them a possibility to learn about the tasks and obligations carried out by this institution, the activity of which is aimed in particular at education and dissemination of information on the activities of the Council of Europe and its acquis. The representatives of the General Police Headquarters presented the risks for personal data protection related to the use of new technologies and educational initiatives addressed to children and youth aimed at lowering the risk of privacy loss.  The Police representatives clearly discussed the types of risks and presented prevention programmes aimed at raising awareness of the need to protect one’s data among this target group.

The meeting organised at the seat of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights was especially interesting. During this meeting the participants of the study visit got acquainted with the scope of activity of this institution and programmes for the benefit of children’s rights protection organised by it.

Participation in a lesson conducted in English was a significant element of the visit. During the lesson a teacher discussed the issues related to personal data and privacy protection with 1^st year students of a secondary school. The students presented their interpretation of personal data and privacy related issues.

The visit included exchange of information on education systems implemented in the countries of participants as well as presentation of educational activities undertaken in these countries in order to enhance knowledge and awareness as regards the need to protect data in different daily life situations of children and youth. Taking this opportunity, a representative of the GIODO Bureau presented the scope of activity of the Inspector General for Personal Data Protection in Poland as well as education and information activities addressed to children and youth. The GIODO Bureau as a data protection authority has expert knowledge on personal data protection and conducts broad information and education activities within its competence.

During the entire visit, the participants had a possibility to discuss all problems in the field concerned and confront experiences from different countries. Special attention was drawn to analyzing the methods and techniques applied in the process of education on personal data and privacy protection.

The visit was attended by 10 representatives of data protection authorities and education sector representing the following countries: Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Croatia, Hungary and Greece.

The visit was realised within the framework of the Study Visits Programme, being part of the Lifelong Learning Programme.