Victorian Schools Expand Digital Device Restrictions by 2027

Starting from Term 1, 2027, Victorian public, private, and Catholic school students will face expanded restrictions on digital devices in classrooms. The state government is extending its existing phone ban to include internet-enabled smartwatches and wireless headphones across all school sectors.

New Restrictions Detailed

Under new legislation, mobile phones and wireless earbuds will be prohibited. Smartwatches will have limits, requiring notifications, internet connectivity, and recording functions to be disabled during school hours.

Exceptions will be made for students requiring devices due to health conditions.

Background and Rationale

Victoria initially introduced a state-wide phone ban in 2020. An independent review of this policy indicated increased student focus in class, enhanced social interaction, and a reduction in device-related incidents. Education Minister Ben Carroll stated that the expanded measures aim to ensure all Victorian students can concentrate on learning.

Private and Catholic schools will be required to comply with this policy through the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. The Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools had already begun restricting non-essential technology in June of the previous year.

School Experiences and Industry Support

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College, which implemented a strict phone policy in 2019 and later expanded it to include all devices and headphones in 2024, reported positive outcomes. Deputy principal Tristen O’Brien noted that while initial bans were philosophical, they observed phones becoming a distraction and contributing to behavioral and social issues.

Following their stricter approach, the school's wellbeing survey showed a 20 percent increase in students perceiving rules as fairly enforced and improvements in student connections.

Year 12 student Macbeth Gonsalves observed more productivity in classrooms and increased physical activity during lunch breaks since the device ban.

School principal Napoleon Rodezno highlighted the importance of consistent policies across all schools to manage family expectations regarding device use.

Rachel Holthouse, chief executive of Independent Schools Victoria, expressed support for the government’s initiative, acknowledging that many independent schools are already reviewing technology's role in their educational environments.