Recent news stories have highlighted the urgent need for strong safeguards around technology in early years settings. The EYFS requires that safeguarding policies cover “how mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices with image and sharing capabilities are used in the setting.” But what does that look like in practice?
Mobile phones
- Many settings operate a no mobile phone policy for staff, but it is equally important to consider how this is applied to parents and visitors. Be clear with anyone entering the setting that phone use is not permitted, explaining both the expectation and the safeguarding reasons behind it.
- Consider where staff personal devices are stored and when these are accessed. Ideally devices would be left in a central location, such as an office and only taken out during breaks. Mobile phone storage cabinets are available for storing phones carefully and securely.
- Check staff spaces where personal devices are used. Are children’s photos or sensitive information displayed? If yes, that information must be removed or personal devices should not be used there.
- Consider where the setting devices are stored and used. Are they, for example, accessible in a space where employees may also have access to their own personal devices such as in staff rooms when staff are on breaks and thus posing a risk for information to be transferred between devices using airdrop, Bluetooth or by taking photographs of the information itself. If this is the case, consider how you can reduce any potential risk.
Smart watches
- While most adult smart watches cannot take photos, some models can access stored images or use apps independently.
- Potential risks include staff distraction or the possibility of inappropriate content being accessed or displayed.
- To reduce these risks, settings may ask staff to use aeroplane mode or disable Bluetooth during working hours. If a device has full internet access or camera functionality, consider restricting its use or not permitting it in areas where children are present.
Tablets and nursery phones
Many settings choose to use tablets and phones to support learning journals or other digital tools. The team should consider the following safeguards:
- devices should be shared across the setting, not personally allocated to individuals
- apply strong filtering - block social media, email, and unnecessary browsing
- use a personal log when using the tablet so it can be determined who has accessed or logged anything
- allocate responsibility for periodically checking the browsing history so that leader can be reassured there has been no misuse
- delete photos after an agreed timeframe (e.g., 30 days) and document who is monitoring this and responsible for deleting photos when consent expires.
Devices must stay on-site only - never taken home. Additionally, staff should not be able to access children’s learning journals from home on their own devices using a log in.
- Consider what your policy includes. Does it clearly explain when and where setting devices can be used safely? Make sure it specifies where tablets must not be used, such as in toileting areas or when a practitioner is working alone with children, including situations like supervising in a sleep room.
- Do staff know how to report concerns about the use of devices in the setting and does your safeguarding culture mean that staff feel confident to raise their concerns? When supporting and updating staff safeguarding knowledge, include questions and scenarios about what they would do if they had concerns or came across concerning content on a setting device.
Other technology
New gadgets like smart glasses and smart speakers can record or stream content without notice. How familiar are you with this technology and what steps are you taking to upskill staff and mitigate the risks?
Final thought
Children are surrounded by technology every day. It’s worth pausing to ask ourselves: What is the purpose of taking photos of children in our setting? Do we need a photograph to evidence every developing skill?
Perhaps we can reduce the use of cameras for this purpose or at least introduce clear, consistent parameters around when and why we photograph children. Sometimes the safest and most meaningful choice is also the simplest one: put the device down, be present, and enjoy the moment.
Jo Watkins
