Toddlers Found with Mouths Taped Shut at Sydney Childcare Centre

A childcare centre on Sydney’s Upper North Shore has received an official regulatory warning after photographs surfaced showing toddlers with their mouths taped shut. According to the report by 7NEWS Sydney, the incident occurred during what staff described as a “breathing exercise.”

Description of Events

• The centre was found to have conducted a practice involving placing tape over the mouths of toddlers.
• The action was reportedly intended as part of a calming or breathing routine.
• The photographs depicting the incident prompted regulatory review and public attention.

Expert Reaction and Regulatory Action

• Sector experts have publicly criticized the practice, identifying potential safety and well-being risks to children.
• Authorities have since issued an official warning to the centre, emphasizing concerns over the nature of the practice.
• The specific regulatory body that issued the warning was not named in the video post, but childcare services in New South Wales are overseen by the NSW Department of Education.

Public and Parental Response

• According to the report, some parents expressed concern, while others remained unconcerned about the incident.
• The range of responses highlights differing perceptions of childcare practices among families.

This incident occurred against a broader backdrop of scrutiny surrounding childcare practices and safeguarding standards in Australia. A related article from Aussie Childcare Network reports systemic issues in how allegations of misconduct are assessed and addressed, including concerns about the lack of investigation when incidents are deemed “unsubstantiated.”

Does Placing Tape Over Mouths Help With Calming Or Breathing?

 No—taping a child’s mouth is not a legitimate or safe strategy for calming or breathing exercises.

Why It's Unsafe and Ineffective

Taping the mouth:

• Restricts airflow, risking suffocation or panic.
• Violates children's rights, silencing voice and autonomy.
• Can cause emotional trauma, especially in toddlers who rely on verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Offers no proven therapeutic benefit in any trauma-informed, developmental, or behavioural framework.

What Calming Should Look Like

Professionally accepted breathing or calming strategies involve:

• Modeling gentle inhale–exhale sequences
• Using tools like bubble blowing, feather breathing, or calming jars
• Creating a safe environment where children choose to participate
• Embedding trauma-informed principles: consent, invitation, connection—not coercion

Further Reading 

Deep Breathing Posters
Managing Stressful Moments In Early Childhood Services
Mindfulness Activity Cards
Yoga Asanas For Children

Reference:
Childcare Centre Criticised For Taping Toddlers' Mouths Shut