Election 2026: National to campaign on ending digital screen use in early childhood education
The New Zealand National Party has proposed a policy to ban digital screens in early childhood education and implement school-readiness checks for young children. The party argues that excessive screen time is hindering the development of basic life and literacy skills.
Why it matters
This policy proposal highlights a growing political debate regarding the impact of technology on early childhood development and educational standards.
The National Party wants to end the use of digital screens in early childhood education and introduce new skill-level checks for young students before they enter primary school.
If elected, the party would also tightly restrict screen and individual-device use for Years 1 to 3 before introducing age-appropriate limits for older students.
National’s education spokeswoman Erica Stanford said younger children were spending increasingly longer on screens despite concerns over excessive use.
“For younger children, we want to place greater emphasis on books, handwriting, conversation, hands-on activities and direct interaction with teachers and other children.
“Technology still has a place in education, but it should enhance learning, not become the default way children learn.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in