Western Australia to Trial Screen Time Restrictions in Primary Schools

Western Australia is set to introduce a pilot program restricting classroom screen time for its youngest public school students starting in Term 1, 2027. Named the "Back to Basics" program, the six-month initiative will be trialled across 10 public primary schools in the state to limit unnecessary use of digital devices like laptops and iPads, shifting the focus back toward face-to-face teaching and hands-on learning.

Each participating school in the trial will receive $50,000 in funding to purchase alternative, screen-free learning materials. The restrictions will specifically target students from Kindergarten to Year 2. Despite the limits, students will retain access to digital devices to fulfill specific technology curriculum requirements and to complete NAPLAN testing, which is conducted online.

State Leadership and Broader Educational Context

The announcement follows Australia's report of its lowest numeracy and reading results on record a month prior. Western Australia Education Minister Sabine Winton noted that the initiative aims to establish a unique policy for the state, stating it is timely to contemplate the impacts and opportunities of screens in classrooms. WA Premier Roger Cook emphasized that technology should not serve as the default teaching mechanism, highlighting the importance of direct interaction, conversation, and questioning among students.

Western Australia joins other Australian states taking action on classroom screen use. Recently, New South Wales introduced a 15-minute daily screen limit for Kindergarten to Year 2 students, while Victoria announced mandatory planned screen-free periods in public secondary schools in June.

Expert and Educator Perspectives

Health experts and school administrators have welcomed the trial. Professor Hayley Christian from the Kids Research Institute explained that excessive screen time during critical early years displaces active play, which is essential for physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development.

Leon Wilson, principal of Craigie Heights Primary School, confirmed his school intends to apply for the program. Wilson noted that high screen use at home has not supported literacy and numeracy development, adding that explicit guidance from the state will assist schools in making informed decisions regarding technology in the classroom.