South Australia bans phones from childcare centres

South Australia has become one of the first states in the country to officially ban mobile phones from childcare centres. 

The new regulations, set to take effect on September 1, prohibit early educators from accessing personal phones while working, a measure the government says is aimed at enhancing child safety.

The ban extends to all technology with a camera, including phones, iPads, and smart watches. 

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There are exceptions for communication between facilities and parents via regularly used apps, but this will only be permitted on centre-owned devices controlled by the director.

"We are taking this very seriously and operators and services need to know there will be consequences if they don't comply," Education Minister Blair Boyer said.

"We are doing everything in our power to keep their kids safe," he added.

Centres found to be in breach of the rules will face fines exceeding $1000, with penalties rising to $50,000 for subsequent offences. 

Preschools will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the new regulations by the end of the month, after which the Education Standards Board will start carrying out spot checks.

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While the ban has been in the works for months, 9News understands its implementation was brought forward after allegations of inappropriate behaviour at a centre in Klemzig and an interstate case last month where a childcare worker was charged with more than 70 offences relating to eight alleged victims at a centre in Melbourne.  

While the move has generally been welcomed, concerns have been raised regarding potential practical issues of devices like smart watches. 

"Some educators wear them for health reasons, they might have diabetes, they might be monitoring heart rate," Carolyn Smith from the United Workers' Union said.

"So we'll be talking about some of those practical issues that might come up."

The government believes the ban will increase parental confidence and create a safer learning environment for children in early education settings.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.