Devices such as phones, smart watches and headphones will be banned across all schools in Victoria as the state clamps down on the use of electronics in the classroom.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the sweeping new changes on Wednesday morning, making Victoria the first state to introduce the rules.
Wearable devices that have notifications, recording functions or that can connect to the internet, such as smartwatches, will be banned from the classroom in public, Catholic and private schools.
Under the new policy, which comes into effect on January 27, 2027, mobile phones will be switched off and stored away during school hours, as well as personal audio devices such as headphones.
Exceptions will apply for students that need the devices to monitor health conditions.
Smartphones have been banned in public school classrooms across Victoria since 2020.
Education Minister Ben Carroll said the move to ban phones in public schools was effective in reducing distractions in the classroom.
“The evidence shows it worked and now we’re going further, so every Victorian student, in every Victorian school, can put their phone away and focus on learning,” he said.
Mr Carroll said the ban on devices in government schools was improving student distraction rates.
“We’ve already banned mobiles in public schools. The evidence is in – it is working,” he wrote in an online statement.
“Learning, behaviour, socialisation and focus are all improving.
“So we’re taking it further, expanding the ban into non-government schools.
“It’ll mean mobiles will be banned at every school in the state. And it’s the right thing to do for our kids.”
Independent Schools Victoria chief executive officer Rachel Holthouse said the device ban in Victorian schools would “support positive learning environments and student wellbeing”.
“The announcement reinforces the work many independent schools are already doing, with independent school leaders regularly reviewing the role of technology in their classrooms and broader school environments,” she said.
The sweeping new change was also welcomed by Victorian Catholic Education Authority chief executive Elizabeth Labone.
“We welcome today’s announcement and are supportive of all measures that enhance student engagement and learning,” she said.
