From January 2027, independent and other Victorian schools will be required to have a policy that restricts student use of ‘personal electronic devices’ during school hours.
You can read the Victorian Government’s announcement here.
This is a marked change from the current position. While Victorian government schools already restrict student use of mobile phones during school hours, presently independent schools have discretion about whether to adopt a similar or alternative approach.
Importantly, these restrictions will not only apply to usage of mobile phones during school hours, but also include the use of personal audio and wearable devices such as smart watches and earbuds.
How are these changes being implemented?
Changes will be implemented through the Education and Training Reform Amendment Bill 2026 (Vic) (Bill), which proposes amendments to the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic).
Importantly, the Bill does not directly impose a statutory ban on student use of personal electronic devices. Instead, the Bill’s amendments will require schools to develop a policy which restricts student use of personal electronic devices during school hours.
Schools which do not have the required policy will no longer be eligible for registration. However, the Bill’s amendments do not commence until 28 January 2027. Schools already registered as at that date, or who have a pending registration application, will have until 1 July 2027 to demonstrate compliance.
Scope of the required policy
At present, the Bill only stipulates that schools will be required to develop a policy that restricts student use of personal electronic devices during school hours. However, the Bill also contemplates that further policy requirements may be mandated in a new Ministerial Order (similar to the Child Safe Standards).
The Bill does not currently specify precisely how student use of personal electronic devices during school hours must be restricted, or identify any relevant exemptions.
A Victorian Government media release has indicated that the proposed restrictions may, in practice, specifically require that:
- mobile phones be switched off and stored away from the first to the final bell;
- wearable devices have notifications, cellular connectivity and recording functions switched off;
- personal audio devices are not used during school hours.
Exceptions may also apply for students who require devices to monitor health conditions.
We anticipate that more detailed requirements will eventually be implemented under a Ministerial Order. The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority may also impose additional minimum standards for school registration.
Why are these changes being made?
According to Education Minister Ben Carroll, an independent evaluation found that students who attend schools with mobile phone bans were more focused in class and more social during breaks. These schools also reported fewer critical incidents involving phones.
The Victorian Government has stated that these amendments will provide greater consistency and certainty for parents, students and school communities. Expanding the restriction to wearable devices may further limit classroom distractions and support keeping students safe.
Recommendations for independent schools
Independent schools should monitor further announcements from the Victorian Government and the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority with clarity regarding the specific matters which must be addressed in a policy restricting student use of personal electronic devices during school hours.
In the meantime, independent schools may wish to begin educating employees, students and parents about the new changes and best practice.
How Russell Kennedy can support you
Russell Kennedy regularly advises hundreds of schools, systems and peak bodies on regulatory compliance and student wellbeing frameworks. If you have any questions about policy development or VRQA registration compliance, please contact a member of our Education team.
In due course, we will make a policy available for Victorian independent schools via Independent Schools Victoria.
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