FAQs: Can private schools disclose non-education related personal information about students to their parents?

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Generally, non-education related material can be released where it is within the reasonable expectation of the student. Current practices in schools may often be consistent with the principles in the Privacy Act 1988. Schools may already have policies in place about when they will disclose personal information which is not directly about the student’s schooling to parents, for example, counselling records.

Under the Privacy Act, schools will have to bear in mind the age of the student, the nature of the information and the student’s expectations about what might be disclosed. Good practice, particularly for older students would be to have a policy on this issue that is made available to parents and students. More information can be found at NPP 5 - Openness.

Where there is particularly sensitive information involved, schools will need to be particularly mindful of the age and best interests of the child as well as the need for parents to be informed. Schools will also need to consider their duty of care to the student involved.

In addition to anything else, where the school reasonably believes that it is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious or imminent threat to a student’s life, health or safety, information about that student could be disclosed to a parent. More information can be found at NPP 2 - Use and Disclosure.