Tuesday 15 September 2026
Evening EditionRSS

ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
Australia

NSW government caps student screen time at 15 minutes as test results slide

New policy mandates daily handwriting practice and limits digital device use for homework

edit
By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources3 outlets
The New South Wales government has announced a new policy that will cap student screen time at as little as 15 minutes, require at least one hour of handwriting with pen and paper each day, and restrict the use of laptops, tablets and other digital devices in homework, following a decline in test results.

A new state government policy in New South Wales will dramatically limit students' use of digital devices in schools.

Under the policy, student screen time is to be capped to as little as 15 minutes. The government will also require students to write with a pen and paper for at least one hour per day and seek to limit the use of laptops, tablets and other digital devices in homework.

The moves come as test results have fallen, though the specific tests and the extent of the decline were not detailed in the announcement.

The policy represents a significant shift in classroom practice in a state where digital devices have become increasingly common in recent years.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The policy directly affects how students in NSW public schools learn, potentially shifting the balance back toward traditional writing and reading.
  • It frames screen time as a contributor to falling academic results, which could influence other states or countries considering similar restrictions.
  • The move raises questions about digital equity — students without reliable internet or devices at home may benefit, while those who rely on school-provided technology could face new barriers.

Background

NSW is Australia's most populous state. Its education system, like many worldwide, has embraced digital learning tools over the past two decades — from laptops in classrooms to online homework platforms. But growing evidence of declining student performance and concerns about the effects of excessive screen time on attention and learning have prompted a rethink in some education circles.

Key Perspectives

NSW Government: Argues that reducing screen time and reviving handwriting practice will help reverse falling academic results, aligning with research that suggests handwriting aids memory and comprehension. Education technology advocates and some teachers: May contend that digital tools are essential for modern learning, offering personalised instruction, access to vast resources, and preparation for a digital workforce. They could question the link between screen time and test score declines. Parents and students: Will face practical adjustments. Parents of children with specific learning needs that rely on assistive technology could worry about exemptions; students accustomed to digital homework may struggle with the transition.

What to Watch

  • Whether other Australian states or territories adopt similar measures.
  • How schools enforce the screen time cap and handwriting requirement, and whether exemptions are granted for students with disabilities or special needs.
  • The next round of NAPLAN or other standardised test results to see if the policy correlates with any change in student performance.

Sources

newspaper

Zotpaper

Articles published under the Zotpaper byline are synthesized from multiple source publications by our AI editor and reviewed by our editorial process. Each story combines reporting from credible outlets to give readers a balanced, comprehensive view.

Editorial ProcessSubscribe