WA to trial limits on classroom screens for young pupils
Ten public schools may volunteer for a six-month pilot starting term one, 2027, with $50,000 each.
The WA Government announced a ban on unnecessary use of laptops, iPads and other digital devices. The government wants 10 public schools to put their hand up to volunteer for the six-month pilot.
The pilot covers kindergarten to Year 2 and starts in term one, 2027. Screens would only be used in lessons where they are needed to learn digital skills.
Year 2 students would also use them to prepare for NAPLAN, the national literacy and numeracy tests. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has warned that excessive screen time has contributed to Australia's falling education scores.
Smartboards, interactive whiteboards and assistive technology for students with disabilities are not affected. Each participating school gets $50,000 to spend on screen-free resources and equipment, including books and printed materials.
Classroom screen time is being capped in Victoria and NSW from 2027.
- Six months
- Pilot length
- 10 public schools
- Schools in pilot
- $50,000
- Funding per school
- Term one, 2027
- Start
Why it mattersThe pilot could set the pattern for how young children use screens at school across WA.
AustraliaParents of young children in WA may notice less screen time at school if their school joins; Victoria and NSW cap it from 2027.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 56 min ago
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