Victorian government expands device bans in all schools including smartwatches and headphones
Consensus Summary
The Victorian government is expanding its device restrictions in all schools starting January 2027, banning internet-enabled smartwatches and wireless headphones alongside mobile phones. The policy, introduced as draft legislation on January 27 2024, applies uniformly to public, Catholic, and private schools, with exceptions for health-related device use. Building on a 2020 public school phone ban that improved focus and reduced incidents, the new rules aim to create disruption-free classrooms by targeting smartwatchesâused by 60% of 7-12-year-oldsâas a growing distraction. Schools like Caroline Chisholm Catholic College report benefits such as increased student fairness perceptions and social connections, though critics like Parents Victoria argue policies should involve student consultation and address parental concerns about over-reliance on schools. The move positions Victoria as a national leader in classroom technology regulation, with independent schools and Catholic authorities cautiously supportive of the standardized approach.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Victorian public and private (including Catholic) schools will ban internet-enabled smartwatches and wireless headphones from term one 2027 under new legislation introduced January 27 2024
- Mobile phones have been banned in Victorian public schools since 2020, with an independent review showing improved student focus, socialization, and reduced device-related incidents
- Education Minister Ben Carroll stated the phone ban led to 'more focused on class and being more social' and 'fewer incidents involving devices'
- Smartwatches with notifications, internet connection, or recording functions will be restricted to disable these features during school hours
- The policy applies to all 233 independent schools, 300+ government schools, and Catholic schools in Victoria
- Exceptions will be made for students using devices for health conditions
- The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority will enforce compliance for private and Catholic schools
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Caroline Chisholm Catholic College introduced a strict phone policy in 2019, later tightening it in 2024 to ban all devices including headphones and disable smartwatch internet connections
- The schoolâs wellbeing survey recorded a 20% increase in students believing rules were enforced fairly, 10% increase in students keeping good friends, and 5% increase in students feeling connected to staff since the ban
- Year 12 student Macbeth Gonsalves noted students previously bypassed restrictions by hotspotting phones in libraries to play games, but observed increased classroom productivity and more physical activity like soccer at lunchtime
- Principal Napoleon Rodezno stated the legislation would help standardize expectations for families, addressing inconsistencies in previous policies
- Independent Schools Victoria CEO Rachel Holthouse emphasized the governmentâs efforts balance device access with positive learning environments, noting schools regularly review technologyâs role
- Premier Jacinta Allan announced the sweeping device ban changes on Wednesday morning, making Victoria the first state to introduce such rules
- The policy explicitly states mobile phones will be switched off and stored away during school hours
- Victorian Catholic Education Authority chief executive Elizabeth Labone welcomed the announcement, calling it supportive of student engagement and learning
- Parents Victoria chief executive Gail McHardy advocated for student-led consultation in policy changes, citing mixed parental views on the banâs effectiveness
- Research cited by Ben Carroll showed 60% of children aged 7-12 use smartwatches, framing them as a 'new disruptive machine' in classrooms
- Parents Victoria noted concerns about shifting responsibility onto schools rather than partnering with families, with some parents viewing device use as a personal responsibility
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- THEAGE reports Caroline Chisholm Catholic College initially adopted a 'philosophical approach' to phone bans post-pandemic, while NEWSCOMAU and ABC do not mention this context
- ABC states some parents believe device use is a 'personal responsibility,' but THEAGE and NEWSCOMAU do not reference this perspective
- THEAGE quotes a deputy principal saying phones became a 'distraction from learning' and 'contributing factor to behaviour issues,' while ABC does not include behavioral impact details
- NEWSCOMAU highlights Premier Jacinta Allanâs announcement as the trigger for the policy, but THEAGE and ABC attribute the announcement to Education Minister Ben Carrollâs draft legislation introduction
- ABC mentions Parents Victoriaâs cautious welcome and advocacy for student co-design, while THEAGE and NEWSCOMAU do not discuss parental or student consultation processes
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