NSW drops bring-your-own devices in public schools
NSW stops requiring primary students to bring personal devices to school, shifting toward pen-and-paper learning.
The NSW government will no longer require public primary school students to bring their own devices to school, starting a shift toward pen-and-paper learning. Premier Chris Minns said children were spending too much time on screens both in class and at home.
The change means students will spend more time reading, writing, and learning core skills, while families avoid buying expensive devices. Nationally, education ministers agreed to return year 5 writing tests to pen and paper.
This followed 2026 exam results showing declining literacy, especially in writing.
- 15 minutes per day for year 2 and below
- Screen time limit
- Year 5 writing tests to pen and paper
- NAPLAN change
- 2028
- Mandatory date
Why it mattersParents won't need to buy expensive devices, and students will develop stronger writing and reading skills.
AustraliaNSW public primary schools start phasing out device requirements by 2028, affecting all families with primary-age children.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 18 h ago
