Devices & screen time in primary schools – PV media comment

Education Minister Ben Carroll published a media release today announcing changes to the provision and use of electronic devices in Victorian public primary schools. Due to be implemented in 2027, the main changes are:

• Parents at Victorian Government primary schools will no longer need to buy a device for their children. Schools will be required to provide access to tablets and laptops for students to use at school.
• Primary schools will be required to limit digital device use to a maximum of 90 minutes per day for students in Years 3-6, and minimal device time for those in Prep to Year 2.

This issues was covered in detail in Raf Epstein’s ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings program.

One of Raf’s guests was Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardy.

You can hear Gail’s interview on the ABC website (skip to 10 min 30 sec in the playback box).

Among other comments, Gail emphasised the need for clear guidelines and good communication between schools and parents to address issues around screen time for children.

Raf also interviewed Andrew Dalgleish from the Victorian Principals Association (at 22 min 30 sec), played clips of comments from Education Minister Ben Carroll and took talkback calls, including some from school students.

Further media reporting

• Gail’s comments on ABC radio were also reported on the ABC News website.
• Gail was interviewed by Channel 9 News, which included brief excerpts in its news report on the issue.
• Gail was also quoted in an article in the Age, covering suggestions that secondary schools should also implement screen-time limits.
• Article in EducationHQ, including commentary from the Australian Education Union.