Is your team confident about digital safety? Free eSafety training can help

The 27 October webinar is offered alongside four free learning modules about children’s experiences with technology and service policies.

Early childhood educators and leaders can join a free eSafety information session on Tuesday 27 October, exploring the safe use of digital technologies and online environments. The one-hour session runs from 12.30–1.30 pm AEDT, or 11.30 am–12.30 pm in Queensland.

The session will introduce the eSafety Commissioner’s role and resources for educators, families and children from birth to five. It is open to people working across the early years sector, including managers, directors and those in policy, training and support roles.

Bookings are available through eSafety’s early years professional learning page. The page also links to four free, self-paced modules developed with Early Childhood Australia.

How are children using technology in your service?

Three educator modules examine how children use digital technologies to communicate, create and explore. Practical examples help educators consider the benefits, recognise risks and discuss how to respond.

We SAY and SHARE considers technology as a means of communication. We MAKE and DO explores creative uses, while We WATCH and EXPLORE looks at accessing information and entertainment.

The modules also address habits, self-regulation and critical thinking. Teams can use examples from their own service to discuss how the learning relates to children’s experiences and everyday decisions.

Turn digital safety policies into everyday practice

The fourth module, Creating a safe online environment, focuses on policies and processes for early learning services. Developed in consultation with ACECQA, it aligns with the National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework.

For leaders, this provides a starting point for reviewing decisions about which technologies are used, how children’s images are handled and how concerns are addressed. Discussing those decisions with educators can help identify where procedures need clarification.

All four modules are available free through Early Childhood Australia’s eSafety Early Years program page. Teams can select learning relevant to their roles and allow time afterwards to consider what needs attention within their service.

Check your service meets current requirements

Digital safety is already part of providers’ responsibilities under the National Quality Framework. Changes to regulation 168 from 1 September 2025 require policies and procedures for the safe use of digital technologies and online environments.

ACECQA’s guidance identifies requirements covering the taking, use, storage and destruction of children’s images and videos; parental authorisation; surveillance devices; service-issued devices; and children’s use of digital devices. Revised NQS wording from January 2026 also strengthened the child-safety focus in Quality Areas 2 and 7.

The webinar and modules can support that work. Providers still need to ensure their policies reflect current requirements and that educators understand how to follow them in everyday practice.