Victorian government expands device ban in schools to include smartwatches and headphones
Consensus Summary
The Victorian government is expanding its device ban in schools to include smartwatches and headphones, making it the first state to implement such sweeping restrictions. Starting January 27, 2027, all public, Catholic, and independent schools will ban internet-enabled smartwatches, wireless headphones, and mobile phones during school hours, with exceptions for health-related device use. The policy follows a 2020 public school phone ban that officials credit with improving student focus, reducing distractions, and lowering incidents involving devices. While Catholic and independent schools initially set their own rules, the government now mandates compliance through the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. Education Minister Ben Carroll emphasized the need to adapt to evolving technology, citing a 60% smartwatch usage rate among children aged 7-12. Schools like Caroline Chisholm Catholic College report positive outcomes, including increased student engagement and fairness perceptions, though some parents remain divided on the banâs effectiveness. The legislation will be introduced in parliament, reinforcing a consistent approach across all Victorian schools.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Victorian public, Catholic, and independent schools will ban internet-enabled smartwatches and wireless headphones from January 2027
- Smartphones have been banned in Victorian public schools since 2020
- Education Minister Ben Carroll stated the phone ban had reduced distractions, improved focus, and decreased critical incidents involving devices
- The new policy will apply to all 233 independent schools in Victoria through compliance with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
- Exceptions will be made for students using devices for health conditions
- The policy is being introduced as draft legislation and will be unveiled in parliament on Wednesday (as of THEAGE and NEWSCOMAU reporting)
- Smartwatches with notifications, internet connection, or recording functions will be banned during school hours
- The ban includes mobile phones and personal audio devices like headphones being switched off and stored during school hours
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy stated student-led consultation is important for policy changes, with mixed parental views on the ban's effectiveness
- Ben Carroll called the phone ban a 'game changer' and said 60% of children aged 7-12 use smartwatches
- Catholic and independent schools requested inclusion under the new policy, which the government granted
- Caroline Chisholm Catholic College introduced a stricter device ban in 2024 after noticing phones were a distraction and contributing to behavior issues
- The schoolâs wellbeing survey showed a 20% increase in students believing rules were enforced fairly and a 10% increase in students keeping good friends after the ban
- Year 12 student Macbeth Gonsalves noted students previously bypassed restrictions by hotspotting phones in libraries to play games
- Independent Schools Victoria chief executive Rachel Holthouse welcomed the governmentâs efforts to balance device access with positive learning environments
- Premier Jacinta Allan announced the sweeping changes on Wednesday morning, making Victoria the first state to introduce such rules
- Education Minister Ben Carroll wrote in an online statement that learning, behavior, socialization, and focus are improving in government schools
- Victorian Catholic Education Authority chief executive Elizabeth Labone welcomed the announcement as supportive of student engagement and learning
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC reports the ban will start from January 2027, while THEAGE and NEWSCOMAU both state the effective date is January 27, 2027 (likely a typo in ABC for '2027' vs. '27')
- ABC mentions the ban was introduced in 2020 for public schools, but THEAGE states Victoria was the first state to introduce a phone ban in 2020 without specifying public-only
- ABC reports Parents Victoria has mixed views on the ban, while THEAGE and NEWSCOMAU do not mention parental opinions or mixed views
- THEAGE includes a specific student anecdote about hotspotting phones in libraries, which is not mentioned in ABC or NEWSCOMAU
- ABC states the ban applies to Catholic and independent schools because they requested inclusion, while THEAGE and NEWSCOMAU describe it as a government-led expansion to all schools
Source Articles
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