Beyond the Apple Watch: What Educators Need to Know About Smartwatch Restrictions
With the Apple Watch effectively banned under Victoria’s new “Child Safe Practices” policy, many educators are now left wondering: What about other smartwatches? Are all wearable tech devices off-limits now, or are there safer alternatives? In this follow-up to our earlier post on device restrictions for sessional educators, we go deeper,unpacking the legal definitions, the gray areas, and practical alternatives that might still comply with the policy. Whether you're using a smartwatch for health alerts, timekeeping, or managing family notifications, here’s what you need to know to stay both connected and compliant.
Quick Answer: What’s Likely Banned, and Why
Under the updated Victorian National Model Code and Child Safe Practices for Digital Technologies and Personal Electronic Devices, most smartwatches that:
Have camera/recording capability (including remote triggering),
Can store, sync, or transfer media (photos/videos), or
Are personal devices used during child-facing time
...are likely restricted.
This includes devices like:
Apple Watch (all recent models)
Android Wear watches with remote camera trigger or storage
Smartwatches with microphones, speakers, or photo preview in notifications
Why? Because the policy focuses on what the device can do, not just what it’s used for. That means even if you never take a photo, having the capability may still breach the rules.
Deeper Dive: Legal Definitions & Policy Quotes
“Restricted Devices” - What the Policy Actually Says
The Victorian Department of Education’s Child Safe Practices for Digital Technologies and Personal Electronic Devices explicitly defines smartwatches with camera or recording functionality as restricted devices. This restriction applies regardless of whether the camera is built into the device or remotely triggered from another device (like a paired phone).
Key clause:
“Smart watches with camera/recording functionality”
This includes watches that:
Have a built-in camera or microphone
Can trigger or activate the camera/mic of a paired phone
Can store, sync, or transfer image/audio files
Importantly, the focus is on capability, not actual use. A watch that can potentially take a photo, record audio, or sync images may still be restricted, even if those features are never used at work.
Storage & File Transfer Risks
In addition to banning image/audio recording devices, the policy also restricts:
“Personal storage and file transfer media, including USB drives, SD cards, and similar devices” when used while working directly with children.
While most educators don’t carry USB sticks on duty, many smartwatches function exactly like storage devices or file transfer tools:
Watch features that may breach this rule:
Local or cloud-based storage of photos or videos
Auto-syncing media from a paired phone
Previewing image-based notifications (e.g. photos in texts)
File transfer apps, even if not used during work
Legal interpretation tip:
If a smartwatch can store, sync, or transfer media, even passively, it may meet the policy’s definition of a restricted file transfer medium. The risk lies in the technical capability, not the educator’s intent or behaviour.
Personal Devices vs Service-Issued Tech
Another clear line in the policy: only service-issued devices may be used to take images or videos of children.
Policy wording:
“Only service-issued electronic devices should be used to take images/videos of children. Personal devices that can take images/videos are not allowed while working directly with children.”
That includes:
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Tablets
Wearable cameras or microphones
Even if the device isn’t being used to take photos or record, the mere fact that it can do so makes it non-compliant, unless it is officially issued or approved by the service.
Remote Triggers = Likely Captured
One of the biggest grey areas, and a major trap for well-meaning educators, is the use of remote camera triggers, especially on devices like the Apple Watch.
Here’s what we know:
There is no published legal decision or regulatory statement in Victoria that draws a distinction between:
A smartwatch with a built-in camera, and
A smartwatch that triggers a camera remotely (e.g. controls your phone’s camera)
Legal implication:
If the smartwatch enables you to cause an image or video to be captured, even indirectly, this may fall under “camera/recording functionality.” Until tested legally or clarified in updated guidance, the safest assumption is that remote-trigger features count as having recording capability.
Bottom line
The policy creates clear risk categories, but leaves a lot of interpretation to individual services or regulatory inspectors. Educators should seek written clarification from their Approved Provider before using any wearable tech, even basic fitness trackers.
Alternative Devices Overview: Safer Options to Consider
These watches may still be usable if your service allows it and risky features are absent or disabled. Always verify specific models.
Garmin Vivomove Sport
Hybrid watch with limited smart features.
Check: no mic, no camera, no photo notifications.
Hard Hat Sport
Basic, rugged watch with minimal smart tech.
Check: specs for remote camera control or file transfer features.
Todo Fitness Tracker
Simple fitness band with steps and heart rate.
Check: whether any notifications display images.
Anko Smart Watch (Kmart)
Low-cost option; fewer extras.
Check: remote camera feature often sneaks in, disable all unnecessary apps.
Active GPS Rugged Smart Watch
More durable; sometimes camera-free.
Check: audio, photo storage, and sync capabilities.
Bunnings Budget Smart Watch
Cheap and basic.
Check: hidden remote camera control sometimes exists. Double-check all product details.
Educator Safety Checklist: What to Do Before You Buy
Use this checklist to reduce risk and ensure compliance:
Specs Audit
Built-in camera?
Microphone/speaker?
Can it trigger phone camera remotely?
Local or cloud media storage?
Photo previews in notifications?
Disable Features
Turn off or uninstall risky features.
Lock device settings if possible.
Service Policy Review
Get written confirmation from your service or Approved Provider about approved devices.
Health/Emergency Exceptions
If using for medical or disability needs, document this in writing and confirm exception under policy.
Test Before Use
Trial it without children present to confirm no media or audio capture risk.
Conclusion: The Ban Is Real, But So Is Common Sense
This new smartwatch restriction feels like another layer of distrust in a sector already under strain. But until the policy changes, or until the regulator provides clearer public guidance, educators must act cautiously.
There may be safe workarounds:
Devices with zero photo/audio/storage capability
Documented exceptions for health and safety
Explicit written approvals from services
What we need most is clear, model-specific guidance and trust in educators’ professionalism. Until then, use this guide to protect yourself, and keep asking for policies that reflect the realities of our work.