Victorian primary schools will introduce strict new limits on classroom screen use from 2027, under reforms designed to curb digital distraction and promote healthier learning habits.
Under the changes, students in Years 3 to 6 will be restricted to a maximum of 90 minutes of digital device use per day, while those in Prep to Year 2 will have only minimal screen exposure.
The government said the limits aim to encourage “purposeful technology use,” reduce overexposure to screens, and help students stay focused and engaged during lessons.
“Digital skills are essential for kids growing up in the 2020s, but we know that these devices can also be distracting,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll.
“It makes sense to minimise the time that primary school students spend on devices when they are at school.”
Health Experts Back Limits
According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), most Australian children spend more time on screens than recommended.
Research indicates that only 17–23 percent of preschoolers and 15 percent of children aged five to 12 meet national screen-time guidelines.
The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, introduced in 2018, recommend no screen time for children under two, a maximum of one hour daily for those aged two to five, and no more than two hours per day for children aged five to 17, excluding schoolwork.
Studies have shown that screen time tends to rise sharply between the ages of 10 and 14, particularly electronic gaming among boys and social networking among girls.
The AIFS 2022 report says that for children under five, excessive screen time can negatively affect motor and cognitive development, social wellbeing, and weight management.
Parents to Save on Devices
Alongside the screen-time reforms, the Victoria government has also announced a cost relief measure for families.From 2027, parents at Victorian government primary schools will no longer need to buy a device for their children—saving an estimated $500 per student.
Schools will instead be required to provide access to tablets or laptops for students to use at school, ensuring equity while maintaining focus on in-class learning rather than at-home screen use.
To help schools transition, the new requirements will be phased in gradually over the next two years.
“Students in the Education State [Victoria] are given every chance to succeed at school and beyond the classroom thanks to the Labor Government’s investments in our young people,” Carroll said.
Melbourne-based parent Tanveer Shaikh, whose son is in year six, welcomed the move.
“Restricting screen time is the biggest challenge for parents these days. I am glad that it’s now a policy decision,” she told The Epoch Times.
