The Allan Labor Government is easing cost-of-living pressures for families by removing the requirement for parents to provide digital devices for primary school students.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced that parents at Victorian Government primary schools will no longer need to buy a device for their children - saving them more than $500 per student.
Schools will be required to provide access to tablets and laptops for students to use at school. To further support student learning and engagement, screen time limits will also be introduced to all schools.
The changes will be phased in gradually to support schools' transition to the new arrangements.
From 2027, primary schools will benefit from updated guidance to help set sensible limits on device use in the classroom. This will mean that primary schools will be required to limit digital device use to a maximum of 90 minutes per day for students in Years 3-6, and minimal device time for those in Prep to Year 2.
These new time limits will promote purposeful technology use, reduce overexposure to screens and help students stay focused and engaged.
New guidance and support materials will be distributed to schools in term 1 next year to help schools plan lessons using digital devices. This guidance will ensure that students learn essential digital literacy skills, while reducing distractions in the classroom.
These reforms complement Victoria's nation-leading mobile phone restrictions, which were introduced in 2020, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing digital distraction, and the overuse and misuse of technology.
Principals and teachers report that the mobile phone ban has improved student focus on learning and increased socialisation and physical activity during breaks.
Students in the Education State are given every chance to succeed at school and beyond the classroom thanks to the Labor Government's investments in our young people.
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"Digital skills are essential for kids growing up in the 2020s, but we know that these devices can also be distracting."
"It makes sense to minimise the time that primary school students spend on devices when they are at school."
"Victoria led the nation by banning mobile phones from schools in 2020, and now we are leading the way again by ensuring that primary school kids can use a school laptop or tablet, instead of needing their own."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"Parents will be saving money while their kids can focus on learning, so this is a win-win."
