NSW to impose mandatory screen time caps in classrooms from 2028, shift to pen-and-paper learning

The New South Wales government has revealed plans to cap screen use in public school classrooms, with the new regulations taking effect from 2028. Under the policy, schools will be required to enforce limits on screen time and incorporate daily pen-and-paper learning into their curriculum.

The announcement follows a similar move by the Victorian government in June 2026, which also introduced restrictions on laptop and screen use in schools. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has weighed in on the growing debate, suggesting that students might benefit from a ‘digital detox’ — a comment made after the release of the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, which showed a national decline in reading and maths performance.

The NSW government has not yet released detailed guidelines on how the caps will be implemented or enforced, but the policy signals a significant shift away from the heavy reliance on technology that has characterised many Australian classrooms since the pandemic. The move is likely to reignite debate over the role of digital devices in education, balancing the benefits of technology with concerns about distraction, screen addiction, and declining literacy and numeracy standards.

Why This Matters

The policy will affect every public school student in NSW, potentially reshaping how lessons are delivered and how children engage with technology during school hours.
It reflects a broader trend in Australian education policy toward reining in classroom screen use, following Victoria’s lead and federal commentary on a national digital detox.
The decision comes amid concerns over declining academic performance, as highlighted by the 2025 PISA results, and may influence other states to introduce similar measures.

Background

The use of laptops, tablets, and smartphones in classrooms became widespread in Australian schools over the past decade, with many schools adopting one-to-one device programs. However, concerns have grown among educators, parents, and researchers about the impact of excessive screen time on attention spans, social skills, and academic outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated reliance on digital tools for remote learning, but post-pandemic data has prompted a reassessment. Victoria’s June 2026 announcement was the first major state-level restriction, and NSW’s decision reinforces this policy direction.

Key Perspectives

NSW Government: Argues that limiting screen time and returning to pen-and-paper learning will improve student focus, writing skills, and academic performance, while reducing distractions in the classroom. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare: Has signalled support for a digital detox, linking the need for reduced screen use to concerning national test results. Critics and educators: While not quoted in the announcement, some educators and digital literacy advocates may argue that technology is essential for preparing students for a digital workforce and that outright caps could disadvantage students who lack access to devices at home or who thrive with adaptive learning software. A balanced debate is likely to emerge as the 2028 implementation date approaches.

What to Watch

Detailed implementation guidelines from the NSW Department of Education, including what specific screen-time limits will apply and whether exceptions exist for students with disabilities or special learning needs.
How other states — particularly Queensland, Western Australia, and the ACT — respond, and whether a national framework emerges.
The impact on student performance in future NAPLAN and PISA assessments, which will be used to evaluate whether the policy achieves its intended goals.

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