Privacy Policy
CYBER SAFETY POLICY
Cyber safety is the safe and responsible use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It involves being respectful of other people online, using good ‘netiquette’ (internet etiquette), and above all, is about keeping information safe and secure to protect the privacy of individuals. Our Service is committed to create and maintain a safe online environment with support and collaboration with staff, families and community.
IMPLEMENTATION
Cyber Safety encompasses the protection of users of technologies that access the Internet, and is relevant to devices including computers, iPads and tablet computers, mobile and smart phones and any other wireless technology (including personal wearable devices- smart watches). With increasingly sophisticated and affordable communication technologies, there is a candid need for children and young people to be informed of both the benefits and risks of using such technologies. More importantly, safeguards should be in place to protect young children from accidentally stumbling upon or being exposed to unsuitable material or content.
CCS SOFTWARE
Our Service uses hubworks, which is a third-party software system to access the Child Care Subsidy System (CCSS). The software is used to manage the payment and administration of the Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
Review of CCS software: The Approved Provider will ensure the CCS software has policies and procedures regarding safe storage of sensitive data before using the software.
All Personnel using the software will have their own log in username and password.
Each Personnel who is responsible for submitting attendances and enrolment notices to CCSS will be registered with PRODA as a Person with Management or Control of the Provider or as a Person with 2 Let’s Go Family Day Care Responsibility for the Day-to-Day Operation of the Service.
The Approved Provider will review staff log ins on a monthly/ yearly basis and ensure this procedure is followed by all staff who access CCS software to submit data to CCS.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY:
the principles of confidentiality and privacy extend to accessing or viewing and disclosing information about personnel, children and/or their families, which is stored on the Service’s network or any device
privacy laws are such that educators or other employees should seek advice from Service management regarding matters such as the collection and/or display/publication of images (such as personal images of children or adults), as well as text (such as children’s personal writing)
a permission to publish form must be signed by parents to ensure children’s privacy,
all material submitted for publication on the Service Internet/Intranet site should be appropriate to the Service’s learning environment
material can be posted only by those given the authority to do so by the Service management/families
THE APPROVED PROVIDER WILL ENSURE:
backups of important and confidential data are made regularly (monthly is recommended)
backups are stored securely either offline, or online (using a cloud-based service)
software and devices should be updated regularly to avoid any breach of confidential information
families are referred to the Dealing with Complaints Policy and procedure when raising concerns regarding digital technologies and personal data
all staff are aware that a breach of this policy may initiate appropriate action including the termination of employment
EDUCATORS WILL:
ensure to use appropriate netiquette and stay safe online by adhering to Service policies and procedures
keep passwords confidential and not share with anyone
log out of sites to ensure security of information
never request a family member’s password or personal details via email, text, or Messenger
report anyone who is acting suspiciously or requesting information that does not seem legitimate or makes you feel uncomfortable (See ‘Resources’ section for where to report)
obtain parent permission for children to use computers as part of the enrolment procedure
ensure that children are never left unattended whilst a computer or mobile device is connected to the internet
only use educational software programs and apps that have been thoroughly examined for appropriate content prior to allowing their use by children.
provide parents and families with information about the apps or software programs accessed by children at the Service
participate in professional development regarding online safety
ensure that appropriate websites are sourced for use with children prior to searching in the presence of children
use a search engine such as ‘Kiddle’ rather than Google to search for images or information with children (See ‘Resources’ section)
ensure privacy filters and parental control settings are turned on and used when children are accessing digital technologies online
FAMILIES
When sharing anything using technologies such as computers, mobile devices, email, or any device that connects to the internet it is important you and everyone else invited to your account understands about netiquette and staying safe online and ensures privacy laws are adhered to.
When it comes to your own children, it is your choice what you share outside of the Service. Remember though that young children cannot make their own decisions about what gets published online so you have a responsibility to ensure that whatever is shared is in your children’s best interests.
Be mindful of what you publish on social media about your child as this may form part of their lasting digital footprint.
Install Family Friendly Filters to limit access to certain types of content on devices such as mobile phones and computers.
Install parental controls on streaming services to ensure children are not able to access inappropriate material.
Sometimes other children in the Service may feature in the same photos, videos, and/or observations as your children. In these cases, never duplicate or upload them to the internet/social networking sites or share them with anyone other than family members without those children’s parents’ permission.
Access further information about eSafety to help protect your children and be cyber safe.
Notifiable Data Breaches scheme (NDB) can be made through the Australian Government Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.