How Victoria and NSW are limiting classroom screen time
Victoria
NSW
Overview
Timing
Victoria:
2027
From the start of the year
NSW:
2027
Recommended
2028
Mandatory
Applies to
Victoria:
Digital devices and tools
NSW:
Individual student devices
Limits by year level
Preschool
Victoria: not specified
NSW:
None
No individual student device use in public preschools
K/Prep – Year 2
Victoria:
Minimal
digital device use
NSW:
Up to 15 min
per day
Years 3–4
Victoria, Years 3 to 6:
90 min
digital device limit
NSW:
Up to 30 min
per day
Years 5–6
NSW:
Up to 45 min
per day
Years 7–10
Victoria, secondary:
Device-free time
required in state secondary schools
NSW: not specified
Years 11–12
NSW:
Up to 50%
of lesson time per subject
Other rules
Guidance
Victoria:
- Primary schools are expected to limit digital devices and tools
NSW:
- Digital-device homework not recommended before Year 5
- At least 1 hour per day learning with pen and paper
- Use screens only when better for learning than the alternative