Schools Re-evaluate Screen Time Policies Amidst Concerns Over Educational Outcomes
Schools are actively re-evaluating their screen time policies, driven by concerns over excessive device use and its impact on educational outcomes. The NSW Government, for instance, plans to implement new screen time guidelines for public schools starting in Term 1, 2027, with mandatory limits from 2028. These guidelines recommend keeping device use to a quarter of lesson time per subject for Years 7-10 and up to half for Years 11-12. The American Psychological Association (APA) 2026 expert report emphasizes that the effectiveness of educational technology depends on the activity it facilitates, how adults integrate it, and what it replaces, rather than just the total time spent. Experts like Professor Michael Dezuanni from Queensland University of Technology suggest cutting passive screen time, anything that replaces the teacher, or screen time used merely as a reward or filler.
