Over the years there has been many changes of policy and legislation in regards to ICT depending on the government in charge.
CNN has bought the latest offerings for the American Paediatricians. Screen Time rules are about to change. New Zealand doctors follow this guideline and are waiting to see what the new suggestion is. Unfortunately we still have a few more months to wait. So why the change. Well the current guidelines were set up in 2009 this was before I-Pads and tablets where common place in nearly every home. But on average a child between the ages of birth to five should currently have no screen time or very limited. As a parent and teacher I know that this is normally not followed and many people haven't heard of the guidelines. Follow the link below to the article.
American Pediatricians about to change the rules for Screen time.
The Ministry of Education brings us their policy through the below link.
Ministry of Education digital policy
It states that all educational services will by the end of 2016 have 'high quality, high capacity, ultra fast internet access' (Ministry of Education, 2016).
It is not directed at early childhood but across the broad for the education sector. The above statement is still a wait and see.
Being in the Early Childhood sector each centre whether it be private or part of a corporation should have a digital policy. This will be signed by parents when they enrol the child and should cover photos, internet access and if the centre uses Story Park or other online formats. Part of this policy should be giving parents information on Netsafe.
The New Zealand Government they have just passed into law about harmful messages and pictures. People can now be prosecuted if it is found that the message or pictures where upload with intent to harm. This is considered cyber bullying. It has only become a problem in the last few years with more access to the internet and smart phones. Although this is for older children and adults.
Controversial cyber bullying law passes.
Sticks'n'Stones is a New Zealand site designed to address the growing Cyber bullying problem around the country. This is a concern worldwide not just in New Zealand.
I wonder, what are they policies in your own setting? You have Ipads, so has the company you work for got their own over arching policy? Or have the teachers in the setting agreed on their own policy for their practice and usage of Ipads whilst working with children.
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