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Queensland holds out as NSW and Victoria impose classroom screen time limits

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek says state will maintain a balance between digital and pen-and-paper learning

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
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Sources4 outlets
Queensland will not follow New South Wales and Victoria in imposing strict limits on student screen time in classrooms, with Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek arguing the evidence is not yet compelling enough for a mandated crackdown.

From term 1 next year, schools in NSW and Victoria will introduce dedicated time away from devices – including computers, tablets and interactive whiteboards – with some limits as restrictive as 15 minutes per day. Queensland's Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek has made no such promise, instead saying schools would "maintain an appropriate balance between digital and non-digital learning, including pen-and-paper tasks where suitable".

Langbroek's position leaves Queensland out of step with the eastern states' push to reduce screen reliance. Brisbane father-of-two Terry Dube said although screens had not yet noticeably crept into his twin daughters' prep classroom, he was already weighing the impact. "In terms of cognitive abilities, things will stick better if done on pen and paper than using screens," he said. Dube said he hoped his daughters would be taught digital literacy in IT classes, but preferred pen and paper for fundamental learning.

The government has not indicated whether it will review its approach as more research emerges.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Queensland's decision creates a policy divergence with the two largest states, potentially affecting student outcomes and equity across the country.
  • Parents and educators in Queensland are left without clear state guidance on screen use in classrooms.
  • The debate touches on broader questions about the role of technology in children's learning and development.

Background

Queensland is the only eastern mainland state not adopting mandatory screen-time limits for school students. NSW and Victoria have announced restrictions from term 1 2026, citing concerns about falling test scores and the impact of excessive screen use on learning. The Queensland government has instead emphasised a balanced approach, allowing schools to decide the mix of digital and non-digital tasks.

Key Perspectives

Queensland Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek: Holds that current research is insufficient to justify a blanket screen-time cap and trusts schools to strike an appropriate balance. Parents (e.g., Terry Dube): Express concern that screens may reduce cognitive retention and prefer traditional methods for core learning, while acknowledging the need for digital literacy. Critics: Some would argue that without a state mandate, schools may default to heavy screen use, potentially disadvantaging students who struggle with digital learning or lack access at home.

What to Watch

  • Whether any new research or test-score data prompts Queensland to reconsider its position.
  • How the policy difference affects NAPLAN results or other academic benchmarks in Queensland compared to NSW and Victoria.
  • Possible pressure from parent groups or teacher unions for clearer guidelines.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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