Australian students hit 20-year low in maths as schools cut classroom screens
Australian year 9 students recorded their lowest maths and reading scores in over 20 years, prompting schools to remove laptops from classrooms.
Australian year 9 students scored their lowest results on the international PISA test in more than 20 years, ranking about two years behind where students were two decades ago. In response, NSW has followed Victoria's lead in capping classroom screen time.
St Catherine's School in Toorak removed laptops from year 7 students for six weeks at term start. Results were extraordinary, with students flourishing in direct relationships with teachers and peers.
Victoria will limit years 3 to 6 to 90 minutes of screen time daily from next year. Prep to year 2 pupils will have minimal device use.
Secondary teachers must plan device-free lessons, though time limits won't be enforced. Several other schools including Sydney Grammar and Toorak College have also moved to cut device use.
- About two years behind 20 years ago
- PISA score gap
- Six weeks of term one
- St Catherine's trial length
- 90 minutes daily from next year
- Victoria screen cap years 3-6
- Toorak
- School location
Why it mattersDeclining test scores and rising student anxiety have made screen time in classrooms a priority for policymakers. How schools balance technology and face-to-face learning will shape educational outcomes.
AustraliaAustralian students face new device restrictions in class as both NSW and Victoria respond to the lowest national maths and reading scores in two decades.
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