NSW to introduce school screen limits amid poor results
The New South Wales government will implement mandatory screen time limits in public schools starting in 2028 to combat falling academic performance. The policy restricts device usage based on grade level and encourages a return to pen-and-paper learning.
Why it matters
This policy reflects a growing global trend of governments intervening in classroom technology use to address concerns over student distraction and declining literacy and numeracy skills.
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From the beginning of term one in 2027, students will be able to use devices for up to 15 minutes in kindergarten to year 2, up to 30 minutes per day in years 3 and 4 and up to 45 minutes per day in years 5 and 6.
The rules will be recommended in 2027 before they are made mandatory in 2028. Getty
Students in years 7 to 10 will be allowed up to one-quarter of the time per subject on devices, while those in years 11 and 12 will get up to half the time per subject.
Under the crackdown, the state will also urge schools to use screen time limits for homework and not assign the use of devices for homework before year 5.
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