Mobile Phone & Smart Watch Policy Example

Here’s a comprehensive Mobile Phone and Smart Watch Policy tailored for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Australia, aligned with the latest 2025 legislative reforms and National Quality Framework (NQF) updates.

Mobile Phone & Smart Watch Policy

Version: 2.0
Effective Date: 1 September 2025
Review Date: Annually or upon legislative change
Applies to: All educators, staff, volunteers, students, contractors, and visitors

Purpose

To safeguard children’s well-being by regulating the use of mobile phones and smart watches in early learning environments. This policy ensures compliance with:

Education and Care Services National Law & Regulations
Child Safe Standards (Victoria)
National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
Mandatory reporting laws across all states and territories

Legislative & Regulatory Alignment

This policy reflects:

Mandatory 24-hour reporting of child abuse allegations (2025 reform)
Digital device protocols under updated NQF Quality Areas 2 (Children’s Health & Safety) and 7 (Governance & Leadership)
Commonwealth Child Safe Framework and state-specific child protection laws
Privacy obligations under the Children Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Act 2018 (Vic)

Policy Statements

1. Personal Device Restrictions

Staff must store personal phones and smart watches securely during contact hours.
Use is permitted only:
- In emergencies
- With prior approval from the Nominated Supervisor
Devices must be set to silent or do-not-disturb mode during shifts.

2. Smart Watch Protocols

Smart watches with messaging, camera, or recording functions are treated as mobile phones.
Staff must disable notifications and refrain from interacting with watches during supervision or direct engagement with children.

3. Photography & Recording

Personal devices must never be used to photograph, video, or record children.
All image capture must:
- Be conducted using service-approved devices
- Follow written parental consent protocols
- Comply with secure storage and deletion procedures
- Align with the service’s Digital Safety and Privacy Policy

4. Online Safety & Surveillance

The service must ensure:
- Safe online environments for children
- No unauthorised recording or surveillance via wearable tech
- Clear signage outlining digital safety expectations for visitors

5. Visitors & External Personnel

Visitors, contractors, and students must:
- Store personal devices during child-facing activities
- Seek permission before using any device on premises
- Be informed of this policy during induction or sign-in

Staff Responsibilities

Participate in child safety induction and annual refresher training
Understand and uphold obligations under:
- Mandatory reporting laws
- Service Code of Conduct
- Child Safe and Wellbeing Policy
Report breaches or concerns to the Nominated Supervisor or Responsible Person

Breaches & Consequences

Breaches may result in:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Restricted access to devices
- Formal investigation under the service’s Incident Management Procedure
- Notification to regulatory authorities if child safety is compromised

Supporting Policies & Procedures

Child Safe and Wellbeing Policy
Code of Conduct and Ethics
Incident Management Procedure
Digital Technology & Online Safety Policy
Recruitment & Induction Policy
Privacy & Information Sharing Policy
Allegations of Reportable Conduct Procedure

Review & Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed:
- Annually
- Following any legislative updates
- After incidents or breaches
Feedback from staff, families, and children will inform updates.

Mobile Phone & Smart Watch Policy Example