The recent Four Corners episode, Betrayal of Trust, has brought to light deeply concerning failures in safeguarding Australia’s children. As an organisation committed to the rights of children and high-quality education and care experiences, the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) stands firmly in support of policy reforms that prioritise the safety and well-being of all children in all educational settings.
Children have an undeniable right to safety, dignity, and respect. It is our responsibility as adults to listen to children, value their voices, and foster environments where they feel secure and empowered. We acknowledge the many services and individuals who work consistently to ensure children’s rights are upheld. However, when this trust is broken, it is not only an institutional failure but a failure of society to uphold its responsibility to the youngest and most vulnerable citizens. How can we, as a society, come together to ensure these rights are upheld?
Now is the time for collective action. REAIE calls for stronger accountability to ensure that every approved provider and service provider operates with integrity and in the best interests of children. Where services fail to meet essential standards, immediate intervention must occur, prioritising children’s wellbeing above all else. Regulatory bodies must be held to the highest standards, ensuring a thorough and transparent review of the Assessment & Rating process to ensure it truly protects and advocates for children’s rights.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which Australia is a signatory, explicitly states that all children have the right to be protected from harm (Article 19) and to live in environments that nurture their development and well-being (Article 3). These rights are not optional; they are fundamental to ensure the dignity and potentiality of every child. REAIE strongly advocates for children’s rights and for policies and systems that align with these international commitments and ensure that the safety of children remains a non-negotiable priority.
This is more than a call for policy reform – it is a call for a shared commitment to protecting children’s rights and REAIE stands in solidarity with all those advocating for justice and systemic reform. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring every child experiences high-quality education and care in a safe and respectful environment. The time for action is now. We call upon government bodies, educational providers, individuals working with and alongside children, and society as a whole to work together in creating a future where every child can learn, grow, and thrive safely.
To view REAIE’s Purpose Statement, please click here.
