New online database for child workers

The UK Government is set to establish a new database containing the eligibility details of anyone wanting to work with children (or anyone barred from doing so). Might sound like a good idea – even apart from the logistical nightmare of actually creating it. But there are two problems that are immediately apparent.

First, by its nature, it requires that anyone can have access to the database to check potential employees (the Government is specifically talking about parents employing nannies or music teachers being able to check the database). The security implications of this are multiple – for example, someone can be barred from working with children for many reasons, including strictly temporary bans, but we know that there are idiots out there who can’t even tell the difference between a paediatrician and a paedophile; what will such people make of this list?

Second, the plans are set to make it a criminal offence to seek to work with children without being on this database, and a criminal offence to employ someone to work with children without checking the list (although that second provision will apparently not apply to parents in a private capacity – you may use the database but you don’t have to). But does this really mean that, if you want to get someone to babysit for you, they have to be on the list? And does that apply to the neighbours’ 16-year-old who does casual babysitting? And is it really sensible to criminalise someone just for applying for a job? Not everyone who’d be on the list is really a danger to children (the lists it would be compiled from cover various offences) and, as I’ve said, some are only on the list temporarily (as a caution).

Guarding the safety of children is laudable, but pandering to the panic of the mob is not. And entrusting our children’s care to yet another Government IT project seems like a bad idea. We need more carefully thought out legislation than this.

pax et bonum

Article posted at 5:29pm on 01 March 2006
Category: Politics, Struggling, General