Personal Electronic Devices at SKiPPS
St. Kilda Park Primary School
New Victorian Government restrictions on student use of personal electronic devices
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 from the beginning of the school year.
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
From Term 1 2027, the following restrictions will apply to these devices if they are brought to school:
- mobile phones must be switched off and securely stored with the classroom teacher during school hours
- wearable devices must have notifications, cellular connection and recording functions turned off during school hours and securely stored stored with the classroom teacher during school hours
personal audio devices must not be used during school hours.
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.
If you have any questions, please contact Jac on jacqueline.morphy@education.vic.gov.au