Victoria will limit high school students to two hours of device use per day in classrooms starting in 2027, a national first. The policy aims to improve student behavior, mental health, and focus on teaching, with exceptions for students with disabilities.
This policy represents a significant shift in educational technology use, potentially influencing other Australian states and countries grappling with the impact of screen time on student learning and well-being. It highlights a growing concern among educators and policymakers about the balance between digital tools and traditional pedagogical methods.
Victorian secondary school students will face a national-first limit of two hours per day for classroom device use, beginning in term 1 of 2027. The policy, announced by Education Minister Ben Carroll, aims to shift focus back to traditional learning methods like pen and paper, group discussions, and practical activities, with the goal of improving student behavior, calmness, and mental health.
This initiative follows a similar announcement for primary schools, where students in Years 3 to 6 will be restricted to a maximum of 90 minutes of device use daily, and younger students (Prep to Year 2) will have only minimal screen time. Carroll stated that the intention is to have "eyes up, screens down" in classrooms, emphasizing the teacher's central role.
Melinda Davis, a senior lecturer in education, welcomed the move, suggesting that technology has been overused in schools. However, she raised concerns about the practical implementation and potential negative responses from students accustomed to constant device access, placing a significant burden on teachers. Despite these reservations, Davis recommended other states consider adopting similar measures.
Exceptions to the screen time limits will be available for students with disabilities or neurodiversity who depend on technology for their education, as well as for those enrolled in specialized subjects. Victoria has already banned smartphones in state schools since 2020, a policy that has since been adopted nationwide. From 2027, the ban will extend to smartwatches and headphones.
Carroll asserted that the policy aligns with "world best practice" and criticized "tech giants" for prioritizing engagement over student well-being. Principal Anthony Oldmeadow of Ngayuk college supported the initiative, acknowledging technology's benefits while noting its potential for distraction and endorsing the government's approach to purposeful technology use.