The Model Code used to be voluntary best practice (2024) but has now become mandatory from 1 September 2025 under the NQF regulations.
From 1 September 2025, the Safe Use of Digital Technologies and Online Environments Policy Guidelines will officially require services to align with the National Model Code under NQF Regulations (e.g., Regs 168–170) All approved providers must implement the additional requirements covering the restricted use of personal devices by Friday 26 September 2025.
Adherence to the National Model Code and its record-keeping components not only ensures legal alignment but fundamentally safeguards children’s privacy, dignity, and safety. Restricting device use, securing consent, and maintaining strict data protocols build trust with families and uphold the rights of every child. As regulatory reforms unfold, early implementation positions services at the forefront of child-safe practice.
