Public schools in the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia will apply time limits for using digital devices in the classroom according to new guidance from the state government. Accordingly, students from Kindergarten to Year 2 can only use screens for a maximum of 15 minutes per day in class. The new policy is expected to be implemented from 2027 and become mandatory from 2028, as the NSW government wants to reduce dependence on digital devices and increase traditional learning methods such as textbooks, pen and paper.
Elementary school students will have limited screen time
According to the new guidelines, screen time in the classroom will be adjusted by grade level.
| Grade | Screen time per day |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten – Year 2 | Max 15 minutes |
| Year 3 – Year 4 | Max 30 minutes |
| Year 5 – Year 6 | Max 45 minutes |
| Year 7 – Year 10 | Maximum 25% of course time |
| Year 11 – Year 12 | Maximum 50% of class time |
Thus, the younger students will be subject to stricter limits on the use of laptops, tablets and digital devices during class. learning program.
For high school students, the regulations will be more flexible to maintain the application of technology in appropriate subjects.
The NSW Government wants to bring learning back to books and paper
NSW Education Minister Prue Car says students are currently spending too much time in front of screens in school environments. According to her, technology still plays an important role in education, but digital devices should not become the default method in all learning activities. The state government wants students to have more time to use pen, paper and textbooks, instead of relying too much on laptops or tablets. The minister also said that reducing screen time can help students concentrate better in class.
Why did NSW introduce screen time limits?
One of the reasons given by the NSW government is that the academic results of Australian students are showing worrying signs. Data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) shows Australian students recorded their lowest ever results in Maths and Reading in the international assessments covered in the report. The NSW government also cited data showing that Australian students tend to use digital devices for learning for a higher amount of time than the average of OECD countries. However, digital device use and learning outcomes are multifactorial issues. The NSW government believes that controlling screen time is one of the measures to help students focus more on the learning process.
Some schools have tried reducing screen time
Before the new policy was introduced system-wide, some NSW public schools proactively trialled reducing the use of digital devices. Chatswood High School principal Robin Chand said the school had seen positive changes after reducing the use of digital devices in class. According to him, students have improved their handwriting and engagement in learning activities. Some students also said that studying with books, pen and paper helps them reduce distractions and have more time to think about lesson content.
High school students still have access to technology
While aimed at reducing screen time, the new policy does not mean NSW is removing technology from schools. For Year 7 to Year 10 students, digital learning activities can account for about 25% of the learning content of a subject. Meanwhile, Year 11 and Year 12 students will be allowed to spend up to 50% of class time on digital devices such as laptops and tablets. This shows that the policy focuses more on balancing traditional learning methods and technology, rather than completely removing digital devices from schools.
When do the new regulations start to apply?
According to the NSW government, the new guidelines will be implemented from 2027. However, the regulations will become mandatory from 2028 for the NSW public school system. During the transition period, schools will have time to prepare and adjust the way they organize teaching activities to suit the new limits.
What should parents and students pay attention to?
NSW’s reduction in screen time in the classroom could lead to some changes in the way students learn, especially in primary school. Instead of using laptops or tablets for many activities, students will likely be asked to complete more assignments using textbooks, notebooks, pens, and paper. For older students, technology continues to be used in appropriate subjects and activities. This also shows that education in Australia is aiming to find a balance between technology and traditional learning methods, instead of relying entirely on digital devices.
NSW will begin implementing new guidance on screen time limits in public schools from 2027, before becoming mandatory in 2028. Most notably, students from Kindergarten to Year 2 are limited to a maximum of 15 minutes of screen time per day, with this amount gradually increasing with each grade level. For parents and students navigating the NSW education system, this is a notable change in the way public schools in the state use technology in the classroom.
Source: ABC News
