Nursery World - Tagging children is 'needless gimmick'

The introduction of child tagging technology in nurseries has been criticised as a 'gimmick' that is fuelling parental paranoia. Tagging systems similar in design to the electronic tags used in clothes shops have been installed in at least 40 nurseries and creches throughout the UK. Defendants of tagging argue that it provides peace of mind for parents. But Judith Gillespie, policy development manager with the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, attacked the idea. 'I do not like children being treated like clothes in a shop. I find that offensive,' she said.

Tagging systems similar in design to the electronic tags used in clothes shops have been installed in at least 40 nurseries and creches throughout the UK. Defendants of tagging argue that it provides peace of mind for parents. But Judith Gillespie, policy development manager with the Scottish Parent Teacher Council, attacked the idea. 'I do not like children being treated like clothes in a shop. I find that offensive,' she said.

'It is also not necessary because security in nurseries is totally adequate. I think these systems are building on parental paranoia and exploiting it.'

Megan Bruns, projects co-ordinator at child safety charity Kidscape, said, 'I see it as a gimmick. We should not be treating children like endangered animals on a nature reserve.

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