NSW to impose strict screen time limits in schools, promote pen and paper learning

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 14, 2026

The New South Wales government will limit daily screen time for public school students starting in 2028, introducing strict caps by grade level and promoting traditional pen-and-paper learning methods. This policy aims to reduce excessive digital device use linked to health concerns and improve student focus, following parental and expert calls for a more balanced approach to technology in education.

The New South Wales government has announced plans to impose strict limits on screen time in public school classrooms, coupled with an increased emphasis on traditional pen and paper learning. The policy, set to take effect in 2028, aims to address concerns over excessive digital device use among students and its potential impact on their health and educational outcomes.

Under the new regulations, Kindergarten to Year 2 students will be restricted to 15 minutes of individual device use, such as tablets or laptops, per day. Students in Years 3 and 4 will be permitted up to 30 minutes daily, while those in Years 5 and 6 may use devices for up to 45 minutes a day. For high school students in Years 7 to 10, personal digital device usage will be limited to no more than one-quarter of subject time, with senior students allowed usage for up to half of their learning time depending on the subject.

In addition to classroom restrictions, the government plans to introduce guidelines limiting screen use for homework, with no recommended screen-based homework activities for children below Year 5. The policy also encourages dedicating at least one hour each day to learning through pen and paper.

The education minister, Prue Car, noted that research indicates excessive screen time poses challenges, with students reportedly spending up to seven hours a day on screens. Car emphasized that parents have expressed a desire for screens to be used deliberately and not as a default learning tool. She cited improvements seen since the state's mobile phone ban in schools, including reduced distractions and higher engagement levels.

Dr. Helen Goodwin, the state’s chief paediatrician, supported the move, warning that high screen exposure can interfere with critical daily activities essential for healthy growth and development. While the government confirmed that digital literacy will remain an integral part of the curriculum, the policy seeks to mitigate the cumulative effects of prolonged screen exposure on students.

These measures follow similar initiatives in Victoria and come in line with recent calls by the federal education minister, Jason Clare, for a “digital detox” in schools. The screen time limitations have garnered support from various teacher and parent organizations concerned about the increasing reliance on digital devices in education. The New South Wales government will release the new guidelines next year, with mandatory compliance across all public schools commencing in 2028.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.