New Victorian Government Restrictions

On 4 August 2026, the Victorian Government amended the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, requiring all Victorian schools to restrict student use of personal electronic devices during school hours. 

On Tuesday 20 October 2026, further information was published about how schools must do this (Ministerial Order 1515 – Personal Electronic Devices in Victorian Schools). 

To follow the new requirements, our school will have a new Mobile Phones and Personal Electronic Devices policy. This policy will be in place from 2027 and will be made available on our website on Friday, 13/11/2026.

This new policy will restrict student use of:

• mobile phones
• smart glasses
• wearable devices, such as smartwatches
• personal audio devices, such as headphones and earbuds. 

Restricting these devices helps to ensure:

• a learning environment free from unnecessary distractions and disruptions
• a safe environment for students, staff and visitors
• greater opportunities for social interaction and physical activity during recess and lunchtimes, without the distraction or social pressures caused by devices.

While some of these devices have already been restricted, from Term 1 2027 the following restrictions will apply to all these devices if they are brought to school: 

• mobile phones must be switched off and securely stored during school hours
• wearable devices must have notifications, cellular connection and recording functions turned off during school hours
• personal audio devices must not be used during school hours.
• smart watches and ear buds

Our school can only grant exemptions to these restrictions to support:

• student learning 
• health or wellbeing
• the management of risks when students are offsite

In addition to these restrictions, wearing or using smart glasses is prohibited on government school premises and at school organised event or activities, including those held offsite or outside regular school hours. This prohibition applies to students, staff, parents, carers, contractors, volunteers and other visitors. Exemptions can only be granted by the principal as a reasonable adjustment for disability and where the adjustment cannot be reasonably provided for by another device or approach.

Our school will provide further information to you prior to Term 1 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the school principal Katie Watmough

Kind Regards

Sue Scott

Compliance Manager