The Victorian government is easing cost-of-living pressures for families by removing the requirement for parents to buy digital devices for their children in government primary schools.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced that schools will now provide tablets and laptops for students to use at school — a move expected to save parents more than $500 per student.
To ensure balanced technology use, new screen time limits will also be introduced across all primary schools. From 2027, students in Years 3–6 will be restricted to a maximum of 90 minutes of device use per day, while those in Prep to Year 2 will have minimal screen time.
“These new limits will promote purposeful technology use, reduce overexposure to screens and help students stay focused and engaged,” Mr Carroll said.
Guidance and support materials will be rolled out to schools in Term 1 next year to help teachers plan lessons using digital devices effectively. The new approach aims to strengthen students’ digital literacy while minimising classroom distractions.
The reforms build on Victoria’s 2020 mobile phone ban, which principals and teachers say has improved student concentration, social interaction, and physical activity during breaks.
“Digital skills are essential for kids growing up in the 2020s, but we know that these devices can also be distracting,” Mr Carroll said. “Victoria led the nation by banning mobile phones from schools in 2020, and now we’re leading the way again by ensuring that primary school kids can use a school laptop or tablet instead of needing their own.”
Member for Footscray Katie Hall said the decision will bring financial relief to parents while supporting student learning.
“Parents will be saving money while their kids can focus on learning — it’s a win-win,” Ms Hall said.
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