15/09/2026
New screen-use guidelines will be introduced in NSW public schools from Term 1, 2027, with recommended maximum times for students using individual digital devices such as laptops, tablets and desktop computers.
The guidelines will reinforce that technology should only be used where it provides a better learning experience than non-digital alternatives, with limits increasing gradually as students get older:
- No individual student device use in public preschools
- Up to 15 minutes a day for Kindergarten to Year 2
- Up to 30 minutes a day for Years 3 and 4
- Up to 45 minutes a day for Years 5 and 6
- Up to one-quarter of the time per subject for Years 7 to 10
- Up to half the time per subject for Years 11 and 12
These recommended limits will operate across a week of lessons, giving schools flexibility in how screen use is incorporated into learning.
New guidelines will recommend a minimum of one hour a day of learning using pen and paper, reflecting strong evidence of the learning benefits of writing by hand and reading from paper.
Schools will also recommend limiting screen use for homework to help reduce overall screen use at home, with the use of digital devices for homework not recommended before Year 5.
