Smart glasses: a reminder for early childhood services

The use of personal devices in education and care services has been proven to put children at greater risk of harm. That’s why restrictions apply to personal device use in all early childhood services.

Services are reminded that smart glasses are covered by existing restrictions on personal digital devices in early childhood education and care services.

The Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) also reminds approved providers and services that these restrictions must be followed. Services must check their policies and procedures to make sure they cover smart glasses and make sure everyone who attends a service understands the requirements.

Why smart glasses raise concerns

Smart glasses can pose risks to children’s safety, wellbeing, privacy and data security.

They can record images or video without people knowing or agreeing. It can be hard to tell if someone is wearing smart glasses. Recording indicators, such as a light, may be disabled or covered.

Who the restrictions apply to

In centre-based services, educators and volunteers must not use or carry personal digital devices while working directly with children. This includes smart glasses.

Different requirements apply to family day care and other service types. Approved providers must follow the requirements for their service.

What about parents and carers when dropping off or picking up their child?

Parents and carers can carry their own personal devices when dropping off or picking up their child at a service.

However, parents and carers should never take photographs on their own device at a service.

Services must have policies for the safe use of digital technologies. This includes a clear set of guidelines that address the safe use of digital technologies and online environments at the service.

The approved provider must inform families of the service’s digital devices procedures and policies. This includes the wearing of smart glasses in a service.

Services may decide to not allow parents and carers to wear smart glasses when being onsite at a service.

Check your service policies

Approved providers must check that their policies and procedures clearly explain:

• which devices can be used while working with children
• the requirements for parents and visitors using devices at the service
• when and how photos or videos of children can be taken, stored and transmitted.

Make sure everyone who attends your service understands the requirements, including the policies. Include smart glasses in your guidance on personal devices.

VECRA expects approved providers to meet their regulatory obligations and keep children safe.

Further resources

• VECRA’s guidance on child safe practices for digital technologies and personal electronic devices.
• Centre-based services can read ACECQA’s information sheet on using digital devices.
• Department of Education’s smart glasses and covert filming policy.