Education Ministers Plan Limits on Classroom Screen Time

Federal and state ministers are set to meet next week to address high screen usage among Australian students.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Homework

Screen-print poster illustration of an empty wooden student desk with an open notebook and a pen, evoking traditional classroom learning. — Federal and state education ministers are set to meet in Australia next week to consider restricting classroom screen time and reintroducing traditional pen-and-paper writing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Federal Education Minister Jason Clare is pushing for reduced screen time in Australian classrooms amid concerns over student wellbeing and academic performance. Education ministers from across the country will gather next week to debate potential limits and shifts in technology use, including the future of NAPLAN testing.

Why it matters

Experts warn that excessive digital engagement is impacting mental health and student learning outcomes. The government is prioritising the development of fundamental skills before allowing students to integrate tools like artificial intelligence into their daily schoolwork.

Australian students currently spend an average of 2.5 hours per day on screens, which is nearly one hour more than their international peers. In contrast, school districts in New York and Los Angeles have already capped usage at 0.5 hours for primary pupils and 1 to 2 hours for high schoolers.

The players

Jason Clare

He serves as the Federal Education Minister and is leading the national push to address student screen time and AI usage in classrooms.

The details

State governments, including New South Wales and Victoria, have flagged potential restrictions for next year, while Western Australia is preparing to trial new classroom rules. Authorities are also considering a return to pen and paper for the writing component of NAPLAN tests to ensure foundational abilities are maintained.

Thursday, 29 October 2026: Minister Jason Clare discussed screen time on television.
Next week: Education ministers meet to discuss potential screen time limits.
Next year: New South Wales and Victoria have flagged the implementation of potential screen limits.

Culture Shift

The debate over screen time mirrors a broader global re-evaluation of how digital tools influence the learning process. This shift marks a departure from the rapid digitisation of education seen in recent years, prioritising traditional foundational skills over constant screen-based interaction.

Students and parents should prepare for potential changes to classroom technology policies that may alter daily homework routines and school supply lists. These adjustments aim to reduce screen time at home and at school, potentially requiring a shift in how students engage with digital coursework.

The takeaway

Balancing the benefits of artificial intelligence with traditional exam success remains a primary challenge for modern education systems. Families may benefit from establishing screen-free periods at home to support the fundamental learning skills currently being emphasised by federal authorities.