another teacher recorded my entire class without asking?

This is Ashtanga Yoga Tech Support. Real questions from the yoga community, answered.

The Question

Another teacher who teaches at my studio comes to one of my classes often. She’s really sweet and I always appreciate her being there. I was cleaning up after class last week, and there was a phone that was left on the floor. When I picked it up, the screen was open on a voice recording that had been running for over an hour. She came back to the studio a bit later, and it had been her phone. She did not ask me if this was okay, and we don’t allow phones in the studio – so she had hidden it under her mat or towel. I feel a bit uncomfortable that my whole class is living on someone’s phone without my permission? I’m not sure if I’m overreacting or how to handle this.

— via r/yogateachers

Our Response

You're not overreacting.

She recorded you without consent. That's the issue. Doesn't matter that she's sweet.

You need to talk to her directly. Soon. Before the next class.

Keep it simple: "Hey, I found your phone recording after class last week. I need you to delete that recording. And I need you to ask me before you record anything I'm teaching."

She might say she's taking notes. She's studying. Whatever.

Doesn't matter. It's your teaching. Your words. Your sequencing.

If she wants to learn from you, she can ask. You can decide what you're willing to share and how.

But secretly recording? That violates the studio policy and your trust.

If she pushes back or gets defensive, loop in your studio owner. This isn't just between colleagues anymore.

One more thing: decide now what your boundary actually is. Are you okay with her recording if she asks? Or is it always no?

Know that before the conversation.

Be direct. Be kind. But be clear.