Education ministers are reassessing technology in Australian classrooms after weak writing and digital literacy results highlight concerns about excessive screen use.

Australian education ministers are reconsidering screen time in Australian schools after weak writing and digital literacy results renewed scrutiny of phones, laptops and artificial intelligence tools in classrooms. As stated by the Education Minister Jason Clare, poor results in NAPLAN writing exams had created some concerns about whether short texts were influencing the way students wrote long texts. In the case of NAPLAN writing tests in Year 5, 7 and 9, the Ministers are now considering returning to pen and paper.

Digital learning faces scrutiny

Testing recorded Australia’s weakest E learning results since assessment began in 2005. Only 37% of Year 10 students and 50% of Year 6 students were assessed as proficient. ACARA chief executive Stephen Gniel said greater device access was not translating into stronger digital capability.

Artificial intelligence use is also becoming routine. One in four Year 10 students reported frequent AI use for schoolwork, while more than 60% said they had used AI to generate written content monthly.

Victoria moves toward fewer screens

Victoria is tightening classroom device rules. From 2027, Prep to Year 2 students will have minimal screen access, while Years 3 to 6 will face a 90 minute limit. The government says the changes aim to reduce distraction and lower costs for families.

Evidence favors purposeful technology

There is no comprehensive national dataset showing how much time Australian students spend using devices at school. Rules vary across states and schools, while Australia’s generative AI framework focuses on privacy, safety and fair use rather than prescribing screen limits.

Research suggests technology’s educational value depends on implementation. An OECD literature review found digitalization requires pedagogical as well as technical solutions. Brookings researchers reported that only about one in five classroom EdTech products has evidence of improving teaching and learning outcomes.

Key points:

  • Australian digital literacy results reached record lows

  • NAPLAN writing tests could return to paper

  • Victoria will restrict primary classroom screen access

  • AI use among students is becoming increasingly common

  • Evidence favors purposeful technology over unrestricted device use

The debate extends beyond classroom distraction. Digital literacy is increasingly viewed as a foundational capability alongside literacy and numeracy. Clare has asked the Australian Education Research Organization to investigate declining digital literacy results, potentially informing future national policy.

Business Fortune believes that Australian schools should balance technology with purposeful, evidence-based learning to strengthen students’ digital and writing skills.

 

FAQs

Why are Australian education ministers reconsidering screen use in schools?

Weak writing and digital literacy results have raised concerns about whether extensive device use is affecting students’ writing skills and learning.

Could NAPLAN writing tests return to paper?

Yes. Education ministers are considering returning some NAPLAN writing tests for Years 5, 7 and 9 to pen and paper.

What are the new screen rules in Victorian primary schools?

From 2027, Prep to Year 2 students will have minimal screen access, while Years 3 to 6 will face a 90-minute limit.

How common is AI use among Australian students?

AI use is becoming increasingly common. One in four Year 10 students reported frequent AI use for schoolwork, while more than 60% said they use AI to generate written content monthly.

Does research support reducing technology use in classrooms?

Research suggests technology is most effective when used purposefully and supported by appropriate teaching methods, rather than through unrestricted device use.