The Victorian government is expanding its ban on electronic devices in schools to include smartwatches and headphones, a move prompted by requests from Catholic and independent schools. The policy, already in place for smartphones in public schools since 2020, aims to minimize distractions and improve student focus.
Smartwatch and Headphone Ban Expands in Victoria
Education Minister Ben Carroll said an independent evaluation of the smartphone ban revealed students were more engaged in class and demonstrated increased social interaction during breaks. Schools also reported a reduction in critical incidents involving mobile phones.
“All the evidence shows that getting kids focused on their teachers, not focused on what’s in their ears or on their wristbands, is the biggest lever we have to uplift results.”
Carroll described the smartphone ban as a “game changer” and stated the expansion to include wearable and audio devices is necessary to address evolving technology and its potential for disruption in classrooms. He noted that smartwatches have emerged as a new source of distraction.
“Victoria led the way on having phone-free classrooms and now we’re going to have wearable device and audio device- free classrooms,” Carroll said. “If your watch is a smart device — that is, it can receive text messages and it’s wired to the internet — from next year it will be banned in the classroom. We want disruption-free classrooms and we want the single focus to be on the schoolteacher.”
Ben Carroll says the ban on smartwatches and headphones will start next year. (ABC News: Nico White)
Research indicates that 60 percent of children aged 7-12 currently use a smartwatch, according to Carroll.
Parents Victoria has cautiously welcomed the extension of the ban. Chief Executive Gail McHardy emphasized the importance of involving students in the implementation of the policy, advocating for co-design and student-led consultation. She noted that views among parents are “mixed” regarding the effectiveness of device bans in classrooms, with some expressing concerns about shifting too much responsibility to schools and the need for partnerships with families.
“If you want to have the most impact and implement effectively, especially in a school environment, it’s really important to take the students along with you on that journey.”
Smartphones have already been banned from Victorian classrooms since 2020. (ABC News: Luke Stephenson)
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