New Childcare Guidelines Restrict Personal Phone Use

Under new national guidelines effective today, staff at participating childcare centers are barred from taking photos or videos of children using their personal phones. The updated National Model Code and Guidelines mandate the exclusive use of devices provided by the childcare services for capturing footage of children.

Enhancing Child Safety

Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly emphasized that this measure aims to strengthen child safety protocols within early childhood education and care settings. "We will continue to act swiftly to ensure all early childhood education and care services remain safe for our children," she stated.

Response to Authority Recommendations

These guidelines are a direct response to recommendations put forth by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) to enhance safety measures in childcare centers. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledged the high quality of Australia's early childhood education system while stressing the importance of continuous improvement in safety practices.

Voluntary Adoption Encouraged

Although the code and guidelines are voluntary, both federal and state governments are urging childcare providers to adopt them. The new regulations also outline specific controls on how images and videos of children can be captured, shared, and stored. The federal government has indicated that additional safety reforms are in progress.