Blame the business model, not the educators: Rethinking early childhood safety

The recent allegations of sexual abuse in early childhood settings have understandably shocked families and educators across Australia. As public outrage intensifies, the conversation is being driven by fear, emotion and competing agendas. Some voices are calling for strict restrictions on male educators performing intimate care tasks, such as changing nappies. Others go further, suggesting the complete exclusion of men from early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.

While these reactions stem from understandable concern, they overlook a troubling contradiction: while male educators are increasingly viewed as too risky to work with young children, they continue to own, operate, and profit from the very centres where these incidents occur. If we are truly serious about protecting children, the focus must shift from scapegoating individuals to scrutinising the systems that underpin ECEC, and the business models that are failing children, families and educators alike.