Victorian parents are set to save hundreds of dollars as the Allan Labor Government moves to remove the requirement for families to provide laptops or tablets for primary school students.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announced that from 2027, government primary schools will supply digital devices for classroom use, easing cost-of-living pressures for families. The change is expected to save parents more than $500 per student.
Schools will now be responsible for ensuring students have access to tablets and laptops during lessons. To balance technology use, new screen time limits will also be introduced to keep children focused and reduce distractions.
From 2027, students in Years 3 to 6 will be limited to a maximum of 90 minutes of device use per day, while those in Prep to Year 2 will have minimal screen time. Mr Carroll said the reforms were about promoting purposeful learning and supporting student wellbeing.
“Digital skills are essential for kids growing up in the 2020s, but we know that these devices can also be distracting,” he said. “It makes sense to minimise the time that primary school students spend on devices when they are at school.”
Schools will receive updated guidance and support materials from term one next year to help them plan digital lessons while keeping classroom distractions in check.
“Victoria led the nation by banning mobile phones from schools in 2020, and now we are leading the way again by ensuring that primary school kids can use a school laptop or tablet, instead of needing their own,” Mr Carroll said.
The government says the initiative builds on the state’s mobile phone ban, which has been credited by principals and teachers with improving concentration, increasing social interaction, and encouraging physical activity during breaks.
Member for Footscray Katie Hall said the new policy was a win for families. “Parents will be saving money while their kids can focus on learning, so this is a win-win,” she said.
The changes will be phased in over the next two years to allow schools time to adapt. The government said the move ensures Victorian students continue to build digital literacy skills while maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and classroom learning.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
