Use of Digital Technology Policy

In this policy, words in italic text are defined terms which have the specific meanings set out in Gowrie Victoria Policies and Procedures – Definitions and Abbreviations.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to affirm Gowrie Victoria’s commitment to creating and maintaining digital environments that prioritise the safety, wellbeing and development of all children and staff across our early learning services and programs, where this explicitly relates to use of digital technology by and directly when working with children.

Scope

This policy applies to all Board members, staff members, volunteers, students on placements, parents/guardians, children and contractors/labour hire employees at Gowrie Victoria.

Policy Statement

Gowrie Victoria is committed to creating and maintaining physical and online environments that are safe, inclusive, and empowering for all children. In line with Standard 9 of the Child Safe Standards, these environments are actively designed, regularly reviewed and maintained to support children’s safety, wellbeing and capacity to learn and thrive.

This policy reinforces Gowrie Victoria’s commitment to the safe, ethical and responsible use of digital technology across all learning environments and programs where this explicitly relates to use of digital technology by children and by staff when directly working with children.

In alignment with the National Model Code of Child Safe Practices, services must be committed to implementing clear, effective measures to:

• protect children’s privacy and personal information
• promote digital wellbeing
• enhance learning outcomes through the safe use of technology
• uphold authority, storage and consent protocols.

By embedding these principles into daily practice, Gowrie Victoria ensures an environment where children are supported to safely explore digital technologies, while being protected from potential harm. Children do not engage with their digital environments in isolation.  Their safety, wellbeing, and ability to participate meaningfully are significantly enhanced by the responsible actions and decisions of those around them.

Gowrie Victoria identifies potential risks associated with digital devices, online content and the handling of personal data. These are managed through a range of safeguards designed to ensure safety and compliance. Children’s access to digital technology within services must be strictly supervised, developmentally appropriate, and conducted only using service-issued devices. At all times, staff must ensure that technology use supports children’s learning, creativity, and wellbeing, while maintaining a safe and secure digital environment.

Personal devices that have the capacity to take and/or record images as well as devices with capacity to store media such as SD cards or USB drives, are strictly prohibited while working directly with children.

Every service has Gowrie Victoria issued devices that can capture and store videos and images, that can be used as required to document children’s learning. Images and videos of children are captured, stored, shared and retained securely in line with the Photographic and Video Image Procedure.

Digital Safety, Education and Training

Staff receive ongoing information and training in digital safety and the responsible use of technology. In addition, services work collaboratively with families to encourage consistent and safe technology practices both at home and within services. All external individuals including visitors, students, volunteers, and contractors/labour hire are required to store away personal devices, () when entering approved spaces for children, are made aware of this expectation and are explicitly instructed not to use personal devices within these environments.

Through these measures, staff can ensure that a secure digital environment is provided that supports children’s learning and development while always upholding their safety and privacy.

Optical Surveillance

Gowrie Victoria services do not use optical surveillance such as CCTV in children’s rooms. Consistent with Article 16 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we prioritise protecting children’s right to privacy and dignity by fostering physically and emotionally safe environments through active, in-person supervision by highly qualified staff. Our approach emphasises trusted relationships and real-time responsiveness, ensuring staff are fully present to support children’s wellbeing and safety. We prioritise open communication with families to build transparency and trust, reinforcing ethical practices that respect and uphold children’s fundamental rights without reliance on retrospective surveillance footage.

Curriculum Planning and Documentation

Curriculum planning and documentation at our services are intentionally handwritten. This approach fosters a more thoughtful, flexible, and personalised planning process. Handwritten plans enable staff to engage deeply with pedagogy, theory, and practice in the moment, tailoring learning experiences unique to each child without relying on predetermined formulaic methods. While online platforms offer convenience, handwritten planning encourages greater reflection and intentionality, supporting staff to connect meaningfully with each child’s learning and development and upholds the warmth, authenticity, and responsiveness central to our educational philosophy.

Authorisation

Approved by	Chief Executive Officer
Name	Karen Weston
Signature
Date	19/9/2025

References