NSW ends primary school laptop requirements, raising questions over resources and learning outcomes
The New South Wales Government has announced that public primary schools will no longer be permitted to require students to bring their own laptops or tablets from 2027, in a move intended to reduce costs for families and limit unnecessary screen use.
Announced by Premier Chris Minns on 8 November, the decision follows the government's earlier introduction of new screen-time guidelines for public schools. From 2027, recommended limits will range from 15 minutes a day for Kindergarten to Year 2 students to 45 minutes for Years 5 and 6, becoming mandatory in 2028. Secondary schools may continue voluntary bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programmes, but must provide alternatives for students without their own devices.
While the announcement offers financial relief for families, questions remain about how schools will be resourced to implement the changes. The government has promised professional learning and guidance for teachers, along with books for children attending public-school kindergarten orientation. However, the announcement does not detail additional funding for shared classroom devices, printed learning materials or other resources that schools may require as they reduce their reliance on student-owned technology.
The educational evidence also warrants consideration. Macquarie University-led research found that 84 per cent of secondary students and 57 per cent of primary students surveyed reported being distracted by screens in class. However, researchers observing 68 lessons across 20 NSW public schools also found that students were engaged in their learning tasks for an average of 90 per cent of the observed time. Although these findings measure different aspects of classroom technology use, they highlight the importance of distinguishing between excessive screen exposure and purposeful digital learning.
The changes raise broader questions about how schools will maintain students' digital literacy and access to educational technology while strengthening reading, writing and other foundational skills. Beyond reducing screen time and costs for parents, a key measure of the policy's success will be whether schools receive the support they need and whether the changes deliver demonstrable improvements in student learning outcomes.
Read the Australian Associated Press report.
See the NSW Government screen-use guidelines.
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