Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Adjournment
Education system
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Adjournment
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Education system
Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (19:19): (2735) My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Education. The use of screens in schools has been an integral part of the Victorian curriculum for well over 10 years now, and from the days of designated computer rooms through to personalised laptops, the use of screens has increased, giving students the opportunity to learn digital skills which will assist them throughout their lives and throughout their careers. Despite the benefits, it is essential that our students do not become too reliant on the use of digital devices. We must make sure that other skills are not diminishing and that digital devices are not being used to the detriment of students. In 2020 the use of mobile phones by students was banned in schools, and as of term 1 2027 primary schools will also begin limiting the use of digital devices to 90 minutes for years 3 to 6 students, with minimal use for prep to year 2 students. Additionally, all secondary schools will be asked to include planned digital device free time in learning. My question to the minister, and the action I seek, is: with screen time being limited in schools, what other opportunities exist and what alternatives may be used to substitute activities that rely on the use of digital technology in learning?