National Model Code – Taking images in early childhood education and care
In partnership with all governments, we have released a set of recommended child safe practices for the use of electronic devices when taking, sharing and storing photos and/or videos of children in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. The recommended practices are outlined in a National Model Code.
The National Model Code is voluntary while governments consider what regulatory reform around these issues is needed and recommends the adoption of the following practices:
- only service-issued devices should be used to take photos and/or videos of children
- personal electronic devices that can take and/or record images are not to be carried when providing ECEC, unless for authorised essential purposes such as emergencies, health and family needs
- strict controls should be in place for storing and retaining children's images and recordings.
Our Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the National Quality Framework confirmed that the National Quality Framework (NQF) is a robust regulatory scheme, with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement to ensure children are safe, healthy and thriving. However, the Review found it could be further enhanced in a number of child safety areas, including in relation to the taking, sharing and storing photos and/or videos of children.
Early childhood providers and educators are leaders in creating child safe environments. In fact, many providers have already limited or restricted the use of electronic devices. The National Model Code will support providers to enhance relevant child safety activities and strategies.
Approved providers and their services are encouraged to consider and voluntarily adopt the recommended practices within the National Model Code. Adopting the National Model Code will support a child safe culture and assist approved providers and services towards any future regulatory requirements in this area.
The National Model Code has been designed for centre-based services approved under the NQF, whose primary purpose is to educate and care for children 0-5 years old (long day care and preschool/kindergarten services). However, providers of other types of ECEC services and approved providers of outside school hours care services may choose to consider adopting similar practices within their own contexts.
Guidelines that accompany the National Model Code have been developed to assist approved providers with this process.
A range of communications and engagement materials have also been prepared to assist approved providers to implement the National Model Code – in partnership with educators and other service staff, families and carers.