Hayley Jacka from Guardian Childcare and Education’s Allara St centre in Canberra has been awarded for her innovative approach to social media at the centre.
Ms Jacka received the Innovation in Pedagogy and Practice Award at the 2025 ACT Education and Care Awards.
The award recognised an approach to social media that respected the rights, privacy and wishes of children while still highlighting the programs and activities at the centre.
Ms Jacka said that when the centre became active on social media, “deeper questions” were raised for her about using children as “content” to promote the centre on these sites.
“Even if a family says ‘yes’ (to use their child’s image on social media) children themselves are not yet developmentally able to understand what it means for their image to be shared publicly, nor the longevity and visibility of online content,” she said.
“This is where our commitment to child safety became central.
“As a team, we are firmly dedicated to protecting the rights, dignity, and agency of every child.”
Promoting the centre without using children in the material required some creative thinking.
The centre team focussed on what they did for children – environments, resources, practices and achievements.
“The team contributed a range of thoughtful ideas about what could be shared on our social media platforms,” Ms Jacka said.
“From learning provocations to excursions, incursions, and celebrations of our environments, they were committed to showcasing Allara Street as a whole.
“Their suggestions reflected a strong understanding that we can highlight the richness of our curriculum, community, and practice without compromising children’s privacy or using them as content.”
Ms Jacka said the response from families to the approach was “overwhelmingly positive”.
“Families expressed their appreciation for the careful and considered approach we are taking to social media and the protection of their children’s privacy,” she said.
“Many acknowledged that while social media can be a powerful tool for communication and connection, it also carries significant risks, especially when it involves children.
“Knowing that the service is taking a cautious and respectful approach to social media strengthened their trust in our practices.”
Find at more about the Allara St centre here.
