New NSW policy limits student screen time and mandates daily pen-and-paper writing
The New South Wales government has introduced a policy to address falling test results by capping student screen time to as little as 15 minutes. The initiative also mandates that students engage in at least one hour of pen-and-paper writing daily.
First reported 2 days ago · latest update 2 days ago
That will increase to 45 minutes per day by years five and six, up to a quarter of the time per subject for years seven to 10, and up to half the time per subject for years 11 and 12.
PISA assesses how well school systems prepare 15-year-olds to meet real-world challenges at the end of their compulsory education. The tests are held every three years, and the 2025 results saw declines in many countries internationally, part of a trend policymakers have attributed to fewer students engaging in sustained reading and digital distractions.
“Our government’s research is telling us that excessive screen use is a problem, and that parents want screens to be used intentionally. That means screens should not be the default,” Car said.
The new policy will include guidelines recommending a minimum of one hour a day of learning using pen and paper, while parents will be asked to limit screen time for homework. Schools will recommend students not use digital devices for homework before Year 5.
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Student screen time capped to as little as 15 minutes in NSW as test results fall
A new state government policy will also require students to write with a pen and paper for at least one hour per day and seek to limit the use of laptops, tablets and other digital devices in homework.
2 days ago · Michael McGowanStudent screen time capped to as little as 15 minutes in NSW as test results fall
A new state government policy will also require students to write with a pen and paper for at least one hour per day and seek to limit the use of laptops, tablets and other digital devices in homework.
2 days ago · Michael McGowan