South Australia moves to strengthen child safety in early learning amid national concern

The South Australian Government is urgently investigating options to accelerate a ban on mobile phones and other personal electronic devices in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.

While a national ban on personal devices is scheduled to come into effect on 26 September 2025, South Australian authorities are exploring whether the restrictions can be brought forward, with Premier Jacinta Allan confirming similar considerations are underway in Victoria.

Education Minister Blair Boyer has formally requested urgent advice on a range of measures to strengthen safeguards in the sector. These include earlier implementation of the device ban, increased CCTV use in early learning environments, improved regulatory transparency, and the introduction of a dedicated register of educators.

“I note the immediate actions relating to child safety announced by Victoria today, in light of the serious charges laid against a childcare worker,” Minister Boyer wrote to the chief executives of the Office for Early Childhood Development and the Education Standards Board.

“I ask that you collaborate to provide me with urgent advice on South Australia implementing similar actions to strengthen safety requirements in early childhood education and care services.”

South Australian Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the Government had been working on the mobile phone ban “for some time,” and recent events had underscored the urgency of its implementation.

“Not having individual electronic devices that can record footage means film can’t be made that can be passed on,” Mr Maher said. “It’s a pretty self-explanatory thing that’s being sought to be curtailed or banned.”

The early childhood education and care sector plays a vital role in safeguarding children, not only through regulatory compliance, but also through the everyday relationships, routines and environments that support children’s wellbeing. While the overwhelming majority of educators act with integrity and professionalism, the current scrutiny highlights the importance of robust safeguards, transparent systems and clear lines of accountability.

ECEC services in South Australia are regulated under the National Quality Framework, which includes mandatory reporting requirements and obligations under the National Law and Regulations. Any proposed changes resulting from the review will need to align with existing frameworks, while reinforcing the shared responsibility of government, providers and communities in protecting children from harm.

The Government has committed to exploring all viable recommendations swiftly, recognising the urgency of restoring public confidence and ensuring the safety of all children in early learning environments.