We live in a world where everything is connected, from baby monitors to classroom tablets. And while that can make life easier, it also means digital safety in childcare isn’t something you can afford to ignore.
If you’re touring centres or comparing options online, it’s worth asking: how are they protecting your child not just physically, but digitally? With new government childcare safety guidelines rolling out and increasing talk about CCTV in centres, now’s the time to get familiar with what’s changing… and what to ask.
Why digital safety is the new non-negotiable
The Australian Government’s updated childcare safety guidelines put stronger emphasis on policies for the safe use of digital technology in early learning settings. This includes how centres store images, manage devices, and use online communication tools with parents.
In other words: digital safety is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s baked into the National Quality Standard (NQS), the rating system that measures each centre’s quality across education, environment, and safety. A strong child safety rating under the NQS signals that the centre takes digital wellbeing seriously.
Here’s your go-to list of questions to ask before enrolling your child, and why they matter.
1. How does your centre use CCTV, and who can access the footage?
CCTV can be a great accountability tool when used responsibly. It helps protect children, staff, and parents if incidents occur. But the real issue is access and storage. Ask:
- Where are cameras located?
- Who reviews footage?
- How long is the footage kept?
A good centre has this documented. A great one explains it before you even ask.
2. What’s your policy for educators using digital devices?
Phones, tablets, and digital portfolios are everyday tools, but they also blur boundaries.
Under the new government childcare safety guidelines, centres must outline how and when technology is used around children.
Ask if personal devices are allowed on the floor, how photos are stored, and whether apps like Storypark or Xplor are password-protected.
3. How do you store and share children’s photos?
You’re not overthinking it: privacy matters. Before you sign, find out how images and videos are managed. Are they stored locally, in the cloud, or shared via parent apps? Do you get to approve what’s uploaded?
A transparent centre gives you control over your child’s digital footprint.
4. Is there a clear digital-safety or technology-use policy?
Every centre should have a written policy covering everything from device use to online communication. Under updated National Quality Framework guidance, this is now a requirement, not a suggestion.
Ask to see it, and bonus points if they review it regularly or involve parents in updates.
5. How do educators get trained in digital safety?
Policies are only as strong as the people following them.
A confident answer sounds like: “We have annual training on online safety, privacy, and data security.” Anything vaguer than that (“We tell staff to be careful”) deserves a raised eyebrow.
6. What’s your current National Quality Standard (NQS) rating for child safety?
The NQS child safety rating is your shorthand for how seriously a centre takes wellbeing, both physical and digital. Simply ask the director to show their NQS rating. Services rated “Meeting” or “Exceeding” have proven systems in place for protecting children’s data and privacy.
7. How do you handle incidents or breaches?
Even with strong systems, things can go wrong: a lost device, a mis-sent email, a photo posted without permission.
Ask how quickly they report digital incidents to families and regulators. The new rules have tighter response timeframes, so a centre that takes accountability seriously is worth its weight in goldfish crackers.
What a “safe” centre looks like in practice
Centres that take digital safety seriously usually have:
- A clearly documented policy for the use of digital technology
- CCTV use explained in their enrolment pack
- Staff training on data security and online behaviour
- Parent consent forms for photo or app sharing
- A solid NQS child safety rating, available publicly
If you can’t find these answers easily, that’s a red flag.
What this means for parents
Childcare safety is evolving beyond gates and playground checks. The digital layer (devices, cameras, data) is where the next frontier of trust lies.
Most parents assume these systems are already watertight. But policy maturity across services varies widely, and not every centre has adapted to the new standards yet. Asking the right questions isn’t nitpicking: it’s smart parenting in 2025.
And don’t worry about sounding too techy or intense. Framing it as “I just want to understand how you’re handling digital safety under the new guidelines” signals you’re informed, not suspicious.
Quick checklist for your next visit
- Are there visible signs about video surveillance or CCTV in common areas?
- Can the centre provide a written copy (or summary) of their digital tech usage policy?
- Do they ask for explicit parental consent if they use photos or videos of children?
- How are images/devices stored, who accesses them and how long are they kept?
- What’s their incident-reporting timeframe?
- Where does the centre sit on the NQS scale? Is the overall rating publicly displayed or accessible?
- Do they run regular training/refreshers with staff on tech, privacy and digital safety?
Ready to find childcare that puts safety first?
If you’re exploring options, start with Care for Kids, Australia’s most trusted childcare search platform. You can filter centres based on NQSR rating, compare their policies, and read real parent reviews.
Find childcare that values safety, transparency, and care — inside and online — at careforkids.com.au
