The President signed an amendment to the Child Welfare Act to the age of 3. Żłobki, children's clubs and day care centres will not be able to publish publicly the image of the subjects – even with the permission of parents. This is the end of photos of children on websites and in social media facilities. However, the rules provide for exceptions and introduce a number of other amendments.
Prohibition of publication of photos of children in nurseries – what exactly changes
One of the most notable novelties is the total ban on the public making the image of children available by daycare providers, children's club or daycare centre. Your parents' consent will not be enough.
This means that institutions can no longer post photos of children on public websites, social media profiles or other public promotional material. The purpose of the regulation is to protect the privacy of the youngest and reduce the risk of uncontrolled dissemination of their image online.
When a child may appear in the photo
The rules provide for two exceptions.
- The image of a child can be found in photography if it is only part of a larger whole – for example during a public event, against the background of a landscape or in a collective scene.
- Photos may only be made available to parents of children attending the same facility in a closed communication channel.
This solution allows establishments to share their daily lives in a safe way, without going outside the group of parents concerned.
Daycare facilities – a new form of care
The amendment introduces day care points as a new form of institutional care for children up to 3 years old. This is a more flexible and often more intimate alternative to traditional nursery.
A maximum of 16 children will be allowed at one point. Day care is provided by day care professionals – it is possible to work several caregivers in one place. A single caregiver may handle up to five children alone or eight with the support of another person with appropriate qualifications. When there is a child in a group under a year, with disabilities or requiring special care, the limits are lower.
Points have simplified local requirements compared to nursery care and facilitate the organisation of replacements. To date, day-careers will be able to continue to operate on their own account outside the points.
New limits, nutrition standards and strengthening of carers
The law also sets limits on the number of children per guardian and introduces mandatory standards of nutrition. The facilities will have to provide children with food according to current standards, with emphasis on reducing highly processed products and over-sugar and salt. Unlimited access to drinking water will also become mandatory.
In addition, the amendment strengthens the position of professional carers. They shall gain the legal protection provided for public officers, digital legitimacy, relief for public transport and paid time for training. The Day of Babysitter and Babysitter was also established – April 4.
There are also new requirements for a safe outdoor space.
When the regulations come into force
Most solutions are expected to apply from January 1, 2028. Part of the rules, including those concerning the status and powers of guardians, will come into force as early as 2027, and the standards of nutrition – as of September 1, 2027. So the facilities will have time to adapt to the new rules.
