Australia's federal education minister, Jason Clare, has suggested that children need a "digital detox" in schools. His comments, made earlier this month on Facebook, have since received widespread support from parents and teachers, he told ABC News Breakfast last week.
This follows an announcement by the Victorian government to end 'bring your own device' (BYOD) programmes in primary schools and limit screen use to 90 minutes daily for years 3 to 6, starting January next year. Victorian high schools have also been directed to implement screen-free learning blocks for all students.
The move comes amidst a re-evaluation of extensive digital device use in Australian schools, which has expanded significantly over the past 15 years. Concerns about unstructured digital exposure and its implications for student learning have been highlighted by recent Naplan results.
Similar discussions are occurring globally, with Madrid's regional government reducing tech-time in primary schools and Sweden considering a reduced emphasis on technology in its 2028 curriculum. In the US, Schools Beyond Screens has successfully campaigned for changes in the LAUSD, limiting screen time for middle and high school students.