No nurseries have applied for video surveillance setup so far

The Social Welfare Bureau’s (IAS) plan to implement video surveillance in nursery sleeping and activity areas of childcare centers, which opened for applications last month, has not received any submissions as of Wednesday.

The Social Welfare Bureau formulated the plan earlier this year to implement video surveillance in local nurseries, with applications opening on September 19.

Authorities stated that this initiative aims to enhance safety measures for enrolled toddlers, provide objective evaluations of services, and clarify circumstances surrounding incidents involving children.

Once approved, childcare centers will be able to install CCTV cameras in designated areas, including sleeping and activity zones. However, the bureau emphasized that before the systems become operational, centers must appropriately notify parents or guardians of both prospective and currently enrolled children.

Following the recent monthly meeting of the Central District Community Advisory Committee, representatives reported that the Social Welfare Bureau has yet to receive any applications from local crèches for its video surveillance initiative.

However, it is believed that some childcare centers are currently preparing application materials, and there is no set submission deadline.

According to the committee representatives, the bureau encouraged all nurseries across Macau to apply, and adjustments to the program will be made based on the number of applications received and any issues encountered. Additionally, the bureau plans to conduct timely visits to these establishments to provide explanations and clarifications to parents.

Regarding access to surveillance footage, officials highlighted that strict protocols are in place. In the event of an accident involving a child at a daycare center, guardians or the center may submit a dedicated form to the bureau within 14 days of the incident or its discovery to request a review of the footage. The bureau retains the authority to approve or deny such requests, and footage viewing must occur in the presence of bureau personnel.

If the incident has been reported to the police, only law enforcement will have access to the surveillance footage.

The program also includes strict privacy protection measures: recording areas are confined to children’s sleeping quarters and activity zones; hidden cameras and arbitrary camera rotation are explicitly prohibited; screens must be utilized to ensure privacy during diaper changes or clothing adjustments; and recorded footage will be stored for 90 days.