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Primary school students will have their screen time slashed in an attempt to prevent over-reliance on devices and boost engagement in the classroom.
Students in years 3 to 6 will be restricted to 90 minutes of screen time a day under the changes announced by Education Minister Ben Carroll on Thursday. Students in prep to year 2 would have minimal exposure to devices.
Primary school students will have daily 90-minute limits imposed on the amount of screen time. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Carroll said devices could be distracting for students and setting sensible limits would promote purposeful technology use, reduce overexposure to screens and help students stay focused and engaged in the classroom.
“Digital skills are essential for kids growing up in the 2020s, but we know that these devices can also be distracting,” he said.
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The changes, which take effect in 2027, do not apply to secondary schools or Catholic and independent schools.
Monash University professor of digital transformation Mike Phillips said that for younger students, a reduction in screen time would not equate to weaker digital skills.
“What matters is that students still have regular, meaningful opportunities to learn how to use technology critically and creatively, not just for entertainment or rote tasks,” he said.
Phillips said screen time had expanded quickly in some schools, without always being matched by classroom guidance on quality or purpose.
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He said while the changes relate to primary schools, some secondary students spent a significant amount of time on devices when recreational use and school-related tasks were combined.
“For older students, technology plays an integral role in accessing curriculum materials, collaborating online, conducting research and developing digital literacy skills,” he said.
“Prolonged screen use without sufficient breaks or variety can have negative impacts.”
Phillips said that for all students, the focus should be on quality screen time rather than time spent on devices: “A balanced approach can ensure children develop both traditional and digital literacies.”
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Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy said it was important that the 90-minute limit for students in years 3 to 6 did not impact readiness for secondary school and each school communicated how the changes would impact them.
“Schools have to be really savvy and clear about the conversations I have with their own context, their own community, about what that looks like for their school,” she said.
As part of the announcement, Carroll said state primary schools would also be required to provide a laptop for students to use at school.
He told the ABC that there were currently enough laptops in schools to cater for students’ needs but that if there was “unmet demand”, they would be supplied.
McHardy said she expected the Education Department to respond to schools if more devices were needed. Although there were devices supplied to schools during the pandemic, additional needs may arise, she said.
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