Safe and responsible use of digital devices.
How digital devices are used safely and responsibly with children at our centres.
Safe and Responsible Use of Digital Devices and Technology
Introduction
In today’s digitally connected world, the safe and responsible use of digital technologies in early childhood education and care is paramount. This policy outlines the service’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Our service is committed to ensuring that digital technology is used for work-related purposes for the benefit of the service, children, families and team members. To ensure that all persons at the service are aware of their responsibilities to maintain confidentiality to the service owners, educators, families and children when using digital technology. To ensure the images of children, the business, families and educators are protected from potential risk by adopting and incorporating the National Model Code for Taking Images or Videos of Children.
Key considerations for educators, students and volunteers utilising digital devices in the service context include:
Supporting the implementation of child-safe practices when using electronic devices to capture images or videos of children enrolled in early education and care services.
Increasing awareness of educators, students, volunteers, and families regarding safety risks associated with using electronic devices in the service and implementing strategies to support child safety.
Implementing child-safe practices regarding the use of electronic devices across the service context in line with regulatory changes of the Education and Care Services National Law 2010, and in line with the National Model Code in response to the Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the NQF.
Goals / What are we going to do?
Children have the fundamental right to be safe and protected from digital exploitation. All staff have a responsibility to ensure that children’s interactions with digital technologies are secure and their personal information and any images or videos used in the service are safeguarded.
Our service is committed to exercising its duty of care, to do everything that is reasonably practicable to avoid potential digital threats and maintain children’s right to digital safety
and privacy. Our team members will exercise their duty of care by:
Creating a safe, supportive, and informed environment where digital technologies can enhance learning whilst prioritising the safety and security of every child in care.
Establishing a nurturing and secure environment prioritising every child’s well-being, safety, and development.
Committing to fostering a culture of vigilance and care in which all children feel protected, supported, and valued.
Providing children with the opportunity to maintain their rights and dignity, express their autonomy, and have the right to say no if they do not want their photo or video taken.
Using devices with purpose to enhance learning and support development.
Recognising that digital technology is a valuable tool when used intentionally with children to extend and support active, practical, creative, and authentic engagement with their surroundings, the community and the world.
Supporting children to use digital technology, when applicable, with intentionality to inform and educate children on how to safely use digital devices and support children’s positive relationships with different forms of technology.
Strategies / How will it be done?
The service adopts the National Model Code and the accompanying Guidelines developed by ACECQA (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority). These resources will be used in the service to implement child-safe practices and enhance awareness of the associated risks and considerations when educators, students, and volunteers use personal and service devices.
To create a digitally safe environment for the children in care, the service will:
Provide and enforce the use of centre-owned devices for all digital activities involving children.
Regularly update and maintain these devices with the latest security software and firmware.
Not permit personal devices for work-related tasks to minimise the risk of data breaches.
Not permit personal devices in areas where children are educated and cared for, unless it is used for essential purposes, as defined by the National Model Code.
Images and videos of children
“The National Model Code for Taking Images or Videos of Children while Providing Early Childhood Education and Care (National Model Code) addresses child safe practices for the use of electronic devices while providing early childhood education and care (ECEC). Providers of centre-based ECEC under the National Quality Framework (NQF) are strongly encouraged to adopt the National Model Code as a further support to promote a child safe culture. The National Model Code is a voluntary, interim measure while future legislative reform is being considered by governments.
Part 1
Only service-issued electronic devices should be used when taking images or videos of children while providing education and care.
The appropriate use of service-issued electronic devices for taking, sending and storing images or videos of children should be clearly outlined in policies and procedures.
Part 2
Personal electronic devices that can take images or videos (such as tablets, phones, digital cameras, and smart watches) and personal storage and file transfer media (such as SD cards, USB drives, hard drives and cloud storage) should not be in the possession of any person while providing education and care and working directly with children. Any exceptions to this should be for limited, essential purposes that are authorised in writing (or through another means if written authorisation is not reasonably practicable) by the approved provider of the service, and where that access does not impede the active supervision of children.
Part 3
Essential purposes for which use and / or possession of a personal electronic device may be authorised for purposes other than taking images or recording videos of children include:
communication in an emergency situation involving a lost child, injury to child or staff member, or other serious incident, or in the case of a lockdown or evacuation of the service premises
personal health requirements, e.g. heart or blood sugar level monitoring
disability, e.g. where a personal electronic device is an essential means of communication for an educator or other staff member
family necessity, e.g. a worker with an ill or dying family member
technology failure, e.g. when a temporary outage of service-issued electronic devices has occurred
local emergency event occurring, to receive emergency notifications through government warning systems, for example, bushfire evacuation text notification.
Part 4
Approved providers and their services should have strict controls in place for the appropriate storage and retention of images and videos of children.” (National Model Code for Early Childhood Education and Care – Images or Videos of Children While Providing Early Education and Care - ACECQA)
Develop and enforce strict privacy policies that govern the collection, storage, and sharing of children’s digital information.
Ensure that all digital content, such as photos and videos, is stored securely and access is limited to authorised personnel only.
Obtain consent from parents and guardians before capturing or sharing any digital media involving their children.
Obtain consent from children, whenever possible, before capturing or sharing any digital media involving themselves.
Avoid sharing children’s images and digital media on online platforms.
Involve educators in regular discussions on digital safety best practices, including recognising and mitigating online risks.
Provide educators with information and time to review the centre’s privacy policies and the proper use of centre-owned devices.
Keep staff updated on the latest trends and threats in digital safety to ensure they remain vigilant and informed.
Implement continuous audits of digital device usage to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
Conduct regular digital content and storage audits to identify and address potential security vulnerabilities. This will be done by centre directors on a regular basis in conjunction with our head office to ensure that there are no potential data breaches and that our systems remain safe.
When children are supported to use digital technology, the service will:
Ensure age-appropriate, active, and engaging use of technology accompanied by an educator.
Service the interests of the children and their provocations identified through play.
Encourage exploratory play and enhance children’s learning using technology.
Allow children to engage in multimodal use of technology such as images, text, video and audio.
Offer insight into the role, use, and presence of technology in today’s world.
Educate children on how to use digital platforms safely. For example, tell children to always communicate with team members and educators if they feel unsafe using digital devices.
Support a positive relationship with digital technologies and devices, avoiding glorifying and condemning its use in the program.
Safeguards will be placed on digital technologies including child safe filters and blocks for inappropriate apps/websites.
Roles and responsibilities
Protecting children and each other is a team approach.
The approved provider will:
Apply the National Model Code and Guidelines for taking images or videos of children while enrolled and providing education and care in the service.
Develop a ‘Safe and Responsible Use of Service Technology’ statement.
Ensure all educators, students and volunteers sign and adhere to this statement.
Establish and maintain processes for the ongoing monitoring and review of any authorised use of service and personal electronic devices.
Monitor and take reasonable steps where a person is found to be non-compliant with the National Model Code including, but not limited to; use of personal devices without authorisation, unauthorised access to images, inappropriate or unauthorised storage of images, taking inappropriate images or images being inappropriately shared.
Ensure that all related policies, including but not limited to privacy and confidentiality, child-safe environments, child protection, relationships with families and record keeping, are in line with this policy.
Continuously review and update digital safety policies and procedures to keep up with technological advancements and emerging risks.
Establish procedures for the ongoing monitoring and review of personal and centre-owned electronic devices to ensure their use aligns with authorised guidelines and remains appropriate.
Prohibit the use of personal digital devices in spaces where children are being educated and cared for. Digital devices include personal smartphones, personal tablets, personal computers and any type of wearable technology with access to recordings, such as smartwatches and AI glasses, unless for essential purposes.
Provide educators, students, and volunteers, with regular training and professional development on digital safety practices, including recognising and mitigating risks associated with digital technologies. For example provide training on the safe use of technology such as using the eSafety Early Years Professional Leaning Module https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators/training-for-professionals/early-years
Communicate with families about digital safety practices, involving them in discussions about how digital devices are used within the service and any associated risks.
Establish secure access controls used to manage who can use digital devices and access digital content, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access sensitive information and technology.
Establish protocols for safe online interactions, including supervision of children’s online activities and the use of appropriate filters and monitoring software.
Update software and security measures on all digital devices regularly to protect against viruses, malware, and other cybersecurity threats. Two factor authentication and/or changing passwords regularly is used where sensitive information is stored.
Encourage responsible and respectful use of technology to promote a culture of digital responsibility among educators, students, and volunteers.
Maintain clear documentation of any digital safety incidents and establish a protocol for reporting and addressing these incidents promptly, as part of the governance duty of care.
Establish processes for safe digital record keeping, in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse; Section 175 of the National Law: Offence relating to requirement to keep enrolment and other documents; and Regulation 177 of the National Regulations: Prescribed enrolment and other documents to be kept by approved provider.
The nominated supervisor will:
Support the approved provider in applying the National Model Code and Guidelines for taking images or videos of children while enrolled and providing education and care in our service.
Support the ‘Safe and Responsible Use of Service Technology’ statement by educators, students and volunteers.
Ensure all educators, students and volunteers sign and adhere to this statement.
Support the approved provider to develop and maintain service policies and procedures.
Monitor the prohibition of the use of personal digital devices in spaces where children are being educated and cared for. Digital devices include personal smartphones, personal tablets, personal computers and any type of wearable technology with access to recordings, such as smartwatches and AI glasses, unless for essential purposes.
Monitor and take reasonable steps where a person is found to be non-compliant with the National Model Code including, but not limited to; use of personal devices without authorisation, unauthorised access to images, inappropriate or unauthorised storage of images, taking inappropriate images or images being inappropriately shared.
Ensure that all digital safety policies and procedures are effectively implemented and adhered to within the service.
Coordinate and provide ongoing training and education for educators, students, and volunteers on digital safety practices, including responsible use of electronic devices and recognising potential risks. For example provide training on the safe use of technology such as using the eSafety Early Years Professional Leaning Module https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators/training-for-professionals/early-years
Develop effective onboarding programs to ensure educators, students, and volunteers are informed about the safety and responsibility of using service digital devices safely in the centre.
Keep families informed about digital safety measures, policies, and any updates or changes.
Facilitate regular reviews and audits of digital device usage, ensuring that authorisations are current, and devices are used appropriately and safely.
As part of the service’s child-safe practices, encourage a culture of digital responsibility and safety among educators, students, volunteers, children, and families, fostering an environment where all stakeholders understand the importance of digital safety.
Stay current with the latest developments in digital safety and cybersecurity and ensure this knowledge is shared with educators, students, and volunteers and incorporated into practice. For example through the eSafety commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators
Ensure that appropriate access controls, such as passwords and user permissions, are in place to protect sensitive information and limit access to authorised personnel only. Two factor authentication and/or changing passwords regularly is used where sensitive information is stored.
Promptly address digital safety incidents, documenting them accurately and taking necessary actions to mitigate risks and prevent future occurrences.
Provide feedback to educators, students, and volunteers who are found using personal devices during work hours and implement appropriate action for non-compliance of policies and procedures.
Work closely with the approved provider to regularly review and update digital safety policies and procedures, ensuring they remain practical and relevant.
Implement and monitor the processes for safe digital record keeping, in line with the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Section 175 of the National Law: Offence relating to requirement to keep enrolment and other documents and Regulation 177 of the National Regulations: Prescribed enrolment and other documents to be kept by approved provider.
Educators will:
Adopt the services implementation of the National Model Code and Guidelines for taking images or videos of children while enrolled and providing education and care in the service.
Complete a Child-safe code of conduct that emphasises the importance of child safety in the service, including using digital technologies safely.
Read and acknowledge the ‘Safe and Responsible Use of Service Technology’ statement.
Complete training on the safe use of technology such as using the eSafety Early Years Professional Leaning Module https://www.esafety.gov.au/educators/training-for-professionals/early-years
Ensure digital safety when taking photos and video materials and documenting children’s development.
Use centre-provided cameras or devices to take photos and document children’s development, not personal devices.
Keep their personal digital devices away from areas where children are educated and cared for, unless it is used for essential purposes. Digital devices include personal smartphones, personal tablets, personal computers and any type of wearable technology with access to recordings, such as smartwatches and AI glasses, unless for essential purposes.
Ensure that written consent is obtained from parents or guardians and children, when applicable, before taking any photos or videos of children using the centre devices, this will be completed through the child’s enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
Adhere to the centre’s privacy policies when documenting children’s development, ensuring that images and videos are stored securely and shared only with authorised individuals.
Store all photos, videos, and documentation on secure, password-protected devices or cloud services provided by the centre. Regularly back up data and ensure it is accessible only to authorised personnel.
Utilise only secure, centre-approved platforms and applications for accessing and sharing information. Ensure that these platforms are used exclusively on centre-owned devices.
Comply with regular reminders from your nominated supervisor about the importance of not using personal devices for work-related tasks and the potential risks involved.
Follow clear rules and guidelines that personal devices should not be present in areas where children are being cared for.
Have designated areas where educators, students, and volunteers can use their devices during breaks.
Be provided with secure storage for personal devices during work hours to minimise distractions and prevent unauthorised use.
Lead by example by not using personal devices in the presence of children and encourage a culture of full engagement and attention while interacting with children.
Provide feedback to staff who are found using personal devices during work hours and will face disciplinary action for repeated non-compliance.
Inform nominated supervisor of non-compliance with this policy.
Not be permitted to document or record conversations and information that is private and confidential using personal devices.
Not be permitted to obtain, access and store images and videos relating to educators, students, volunteers, children and families from personal devices.
Educate children in acceptable and unacceptable behaviours (from adults and children) when children use digital devices and engage in digital platforms.
Support children using digital devices to enhance their skills and development while cultivating a positive relationship with digital devices and platforms.
Be required to sign “Personal Device Information and Agreement” Document regarding the safe and responsible use of technology.
Please note that all of the above also applies to traditional photography and videography methods not just digital methods of capturing the images of the child.
If you believe this policy has been breached by another person at our organisation you have an obligation under your employment and this policy to respond immediately and notify the Approved Provider.
Families and Visitors to the centre will be prohibited from taking photos and videos of the children on their personal devices whilst in the children’s early learning and care environments.
Communication
Educators and families will have access to this policy at all times.
Information will be included in induction for new educator and be included in service handbooks
Educators and families will be provided with opportunities to be involved in reviewing this policy.
Educators and families will be provided with information from this policy at the time of employment and orientation.
Changes to this policy and procedure document will be shared with families and educators.
Enforcement
The failure of any person to comply with this policy in its entirety may lead to:
Termination or modification of child enrolment
Restriction of access to the service
Performance management of an employee which may lead to termination
On 6th November 2025, Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, Courtney Houssos, issued a Ministerial Direction. The Ministerial Direction strengthens the ban of personal mobile and digital devices announced by the Education Ministers in August 2025. It sets out clear legal requirements for how devices capable of taking, storing, or transmitting images and videos – such as phones, tablets, and cameras – can be used in ECEC services to strengthen child safety and privacy.
The directions made in the Ministerial Direction are designed to support the safety of children in ECEC and mitigate risk of harm to children by:
Reducing the risk of inadequate supervision of children due to personal device use by staff and educators
Making it more difficult for anyone in an ECEC service to use their personal devices to generate inappropriate content relating to children
Reducing the potential risk that images or videos of children (including inappropriate content) could be shared, intentionally or by accident
Giving approved providers greater oversight of what content is created in their services, as well as how it is stored or deleted.
The NSW ECEC Regulator may take enforcement action against individuals and/or providers that fail to comply with the Ministerial Direction. Significant monetary penalties may be imposed.
Under Section 223B(5) of the Children (Education and Care Services) National Law (NSW), the maximum financial penalty for non-compliance with the Ministerial Direction is:
$55,000 for an individual
$903,150 for a large provider
$301,050 for other providers.
On the spot fines may also be issued including:
$3,421 for an individual
$17,200 for a service/provider
$51,600 for a large provider
Under no circumstances are personal devices to be used in the classrooms or children’s outdoor spaces. Personal devices include, but are not limited to:
Mobile phones
Tablets
Smart watches
Computers
Cameras
USB drives
Hard drives
Memory cards
Wearables such as smart camera glasses
Under these rules, you are not able to wear a smart watch which is capable of taking photo or videos. If you receive messages on your smart watch these cannot be answered or replied to within the classroom or outdoor learning environment. You should only respond to personal messages on break times. In cases where you must respond urgently you should seek approval from the Nominated supervisor to take calls or send messages, as per our policy.
Personal laptops/tablets are not to be used in the centre.
You must not use centre devices for personal use or to log in to your personal social media or messaging services.
Please ensure that you are following these directives, and prioritising the rights, safety and best interests of the children at all times.
Monitoring, evaluation, and review
This policy will be monitored to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and unless deemed necessary through the identification of practice gaps, the service will review this policy every 12 months or when legislative changes have been identified.
In accordance with R. 172 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations, the service will ensure that families of children enrolled at the service are notified at least 14 days before making any change to a policy or procedure that may have significant impact on the provision of education and care to any child enrolled at the service; a family’s ability to utilise the service; the fees charged or the way in which fees are collected.
Next Review: October 2026
November 2025 – Added amendments to this policy including the new ministerial directive that came into force on the 6th of November 2025.