Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan and Minister for Education, Ben Carroll, have announced new legislation to extend a ban on phones and mobile devices in public schools to all non-government schools.
The legislation will cover wearable devices like smart watches and wireless earbuds and follows the banning of mobile phones in the state’s public school classrooms introduced in 2020.
“Less screen time. More learning time. For every Victorian student,” said Premier Allan.
The change will extend the ban to students in every Victorian school, from 28 January 2027.
Victoria will be the first state in Australia to legislate restrictions on wearable technology in schools.
Minister Carroll said the Department of Education will work closely with schools to ensure the level of restriction is practical.
“The evidence shows it worked and now we’re going further, so every Victorian student, in every Victorian school, can put their phone away and focus on learning,” he said.
Under the legislation:
- Mobile phones must be switched off and stored away from first to final bell
- Wearable devices must have notifications, cellular connection and recording functions switched off
- Personal audio devices must not be used during school hours.
Victorian Catholic Education Authority CEO, Professor Elizabeth Labone said the Authority welcomed the announcement and was supportive of all measures “that enhance student engagement and learning”.
Independent Schools Victoria Chief Executive, Rachel Holthouse also welcomed the legislation.
“[We] acknowledge the government’s efforts to balance access to electronic devices with the need to support positive learning environments and student wellbeing,” she said.
“The announcement reinforces the work many Independent schools are already doing, with Independent school leaders regularly reviewing the role of technology in their classrooms and broader school environments.”
