Overview
- Victoria released draft legislation to extend its classroom device rules to Catholic and independent schools with a statewide start in January 2027.
- The rules require phones to be switched off and stored, wireless headphones kept out of use, and smartwatches set with notifications, internet access and recording disabled during school hours.
- Health exceptions apply for students who need devices to manage medical conditions, and parents can reach children by calling the school in emergencies.
- School leaders in the independent and Catholic sectors welcomed a consistent approach across all schools, while Parents Victoria urged student involvement in how each school rolls out the policy.
- Victoria will be the first Australian state to explicitly bar wearable tech at school, building on a 2020 phone ban that an independent review found improved focus, social connection and school safety.