Classroom Screens Under Fire: Schools Curb Tech Use

Australian schools are increasingly examining the role of technology in classrooms due to concerns over escalating student anxiety and deteriorating academic performance. Recent PISA results indicate a significant decline in math and reading scores for Australian year 9 students, mirroring a global trend. This has led to policy discussions and school initiatives aimed at reducing student screen time.

Several schools, including St. Catherine's in Toorak, have implemented trials limiting laptop use, with principals reporting positive impacts on student relationships and engagement. Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath advocates for a more deliberate use of technology, suggesting a return to computer labs and even printed materials for better memory retention and focus.

Victoria has already banned mobile phones in public school classrooms since 2020 and is extending restrictions to smartwatches and wireless earphones. New policies from next year will also see state primary schools barred from requiring parents to purchase devices, with daily screen time limits for older students. These moves align with a global shift, as countries like Norway and Sweden redirect funding from devices to textbooks.

However, not all experts agree that outright bans are the solution. Professor Therese Hopfenbeck from the University of Melbourne highlights the need for more research into productive tech use in classrooms. She warns against rapid policy changes based solely on performance data, emphasizing that technology can be beneficial when used appropriately by teachers and students.