Child Safety
Taking Images or Videos of Children
The National Model Code for Taking Images or Videos of Children, released in July 2024 by ACECQA, recommends only service-issued devices be used for photographing children in early childhood settings, with strict controls on how, when, and who takes images and how they are stored. Personal devices should only be used in exceptional, authorised circumstances, and strict controls are needed for the storage and destruction of images.
What our Service is Committed to in ensuring children in our care are safe and protected.
Parental communication: We will inform families about the new policies and obtain their consent regarding the use of images and videos of their children. Ensure they understand the steps taken to protect their children's privacy and safety.
Monitoring and compliance: Regularly monitor the use of service-issued devices and enforce compliance with the new policies. Implement strict controls for the storage and retention of images and videos to safeguard children's personal data.
Risk assessment: Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with the use of electronic devices in our service.
Continuous improvement: Stay informed about potential legislative changes and be prepared to adapt our practices accordingly. Engage with stakeholders, including educators, families, and the wider community, to continually improve child safety measures.
Staff training: Provide comprehensive training for educators and staff on the new guidelines, focusing on the appropriate use of service-issued devices and the prohibition of personal devices for capturing images or videos of children By adopting the National Model Code, our service can take proactive steps to ensure a safer environment for children, fostering trust and confidence among families and staff and upholding the rights of every child at our service.
Pdf National Model Code and Guidelines sourced from www.acecqa.gov.au
New Child Safe Standards to strengthen child safety
The new Standards set out minimum requirements and outline the actions our organisation must take to keep children and young people safe. They provide more clarity for organisations and are more consistent with Standards in the rest of Australia.
What will be different?
Although similar to Victoria’s current Child Safe Standards, key changes include new requirements:
- to involve families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
- for a greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
- to manage the risk of child abuse in online environments
- in relation to governance, systems and processes to keep children and young people safe.
Pdf Child Safe Standards sourced from Commission for Children & Young People: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/