Скачать или смотреть For Educators - Why Posting Play Online Violates Children's Rights & What To Do About It

Episode 9: For Early Years Educators - Why Posting Play Online Violates Children's Rights & What To Do About It

We’ve already explored why smartphones don’t belong in early years settings with Amit Singh Kalley (Episode 7)
And we've made the case for not posting children online with Harry Houghton (Episode 8)

Now in this third and final episode in my digital spaces series, I ask:
What does all this mean for the early years sector? For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, and the adults who care for them every day?

📌 Here’s what I unpack:
🔹 Most early years settings don’t have clear digital exit strategies.
What about the image you posted of children in 2021? Is it still live on your Facebook page after they've left your service? And who can reshare it? You may not know who your broader audience is which puts children's online safety at further risk.

🔹 Photos posted on social media, even with permission, create digital footprints children never asked for.
These images can be downloaded, misused, or become part of a child’s online identity long before they’ve developed a voice.
This isn’t just a safeguarding concern - it’s a human rights issue.

🔹 Children notice everything, even if they aren’t online.
When a child is trying to get your attention and you’re uploading a photo, they learn where they rank.
When staff are more engaged with tablets than with children, that models behaviour.
Even toddlers begin to understand that screens = power.

🔹 Technology can get in the way of connection and care.
When we’re constantly capturing moments, we’re missing them.
We must ask: Are we documenting learning or disrupting it?



💡 The below practical tips and more are discussed throughout this episode:
✅ Hold a staff meeting to map your digital systems.
What apps do you use (e.g. Storypark, WhatsApp)? Where is data stored? Who has access?
Do you delete it when a child leaves? Do parents know?

✅ Assign a daily ‘Digital Documenter’
One team member captures key learning moments while others stay fully present with children.
Rotate the role to avoid over-reliance or burnout.

✅ Update your digital and social media policies.
Ensure they include exit procedures, consent clarity, and a commitment to avoid facial images in public posts.

✅ Protect presence.
Create screen-free spaces. Set boundaries for staff device use.
Let children experience care and attention that isn’t filtered through a screen.

This isn’t about banning all tech. It’s about ethical, intentional use in ways that centre the child within early childhood, not the device.

What are your thoughts on the issues discussed? Is there something here you didn't consider before? Or maybe you disagree with the views being shared? Comment below and get the conversation going!

🎧 Full episode available now on Youtube and Spotify @BabyJailUnlocked

#BabyJailUnlocked #EarlyChildhood #DigitalWellbeing #OnlineSafety #ChildrensRights #DigitalWellbeing #Safeguarding #DigitalLiteracy