The Allan Labor Government is leading the nation by ensuring every student can learn free from distraction.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll today announced new legislation to extend the ban on devices to non-government schools.

The legislation will also cover wearable devices like smart watches and wireless earbuds.

Victoria led the nation by banning mobile phones in public school classrooms in 2020.

This change will extend the ban to every student in every Victorian school, from 28 January 2027.

An independent evaluation found students were more focused in class and more social during breaks.

Schools also reported fewer critical incidents involving phones.

Expanding the ban to wearable and personal audio devices further limits distraction in classrooms and keeps students safe.

Wearable devices that capture photos, video or audio can pose risks to students and staff.

Victoria will be the first state to legislate these restrictions on wearable technology in schools.

We will work closely with schools to ensure the level of restriction is practical.

Under the legislation:

• Mobile phones must be switched off and stored away from first to final bell
• Wearable devices must have notifications, cellular connection and recording functions switched off
• Personal audio devices must not be used during school hours.

Rolling out a state-wide policy will provide consistency and certainty for parents, students and school communities.

Exceptions apply for students that require devices to monitor health conditions.

Only Labor is making lives easier for Victorian families – prioritising every child’s world-class education in the Education State.

Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan

"Victoria didn't just lead the nation on this — we proved it works. Now every Victorian student gets the same benefit, no matter which school they go to."

Quote attributable to Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll

“The evidence shows it worked and now we're going further, so every Victorian student, in every Victorian school, can put their phone away and focus on learning."

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“We’re strengthening school device rules to support students across the Bellarine to stay engaged in their learning.”