The Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) has released a set of recommended child-safe practices for using electronic devices in early childhood education and care (ECEC).
Taking photos and videos of children on personal phones and devices will be restricted by early childhood education centres who adopt the new National Model Code and guidelines.
In place from 1 July 2024, the new code recommends that:
- only service-issued devices can be used when photographing and filming children
- personal devices can only be carried or used in limited circumstances
- strict controls must be in place for taking, sharing and storing images or videos.
The code was developed in partnership with all governments. It forms part of a range of actions in response to the 16 recommendations of last year’s child safety review.
The code is designed to:
- promote a child safe culture when it comes to taking, sharing and storing images or videos of children
- support ECEC educators, as champions of child safety
- complement child safety activities and strategies already in place across the sector.
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly said:
“We’re ensuring child safety measures in early childhood education and care services remain contemporary and fit-for-purpose.
“This is about helping early childhood education and care providers to embed a child-safe culture in their services.
“We will continue to act swiftly to ensure all early childhood education and care services remain safe for our children.”
Many providers already limit or restrict the use of electronic devices. Those who don’t are encouraged to consider and adopt the recommended practices.
Centre-based early childhood education and care services will be guided by the voluntary code and guidelines while further child safety regulatory reforms are being progressed.
Find out more on ACECQA’s website.