NSW Labor has reaffirmed its commitment to get kids off devices by announcing a $2.5 million research fund, to look at the impact of screen-related addictions in young people.
NSW Labor will also be hosting a roundtable today, which will bring together leading experts in education, child psychology and cyber-safety as well as parent groups to discuss mobile phone, screen and video game addiction.
The research fund will be available as grants, and open to universities, researchers and relevant organisations to apply for, administered by the Department of Education’s annual grants budget.
The fund will go to research projects that will help get a better understanding of the impact of excessive screen time, video game and mobile phone use on young people and their learning.
The NSW Government’s Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation (CESE) would work with researchers and form a comprehensive database on the findings and will also be used to help form policy solutions to address this growing problem.
While many young people enjoy healthy levels of video game play, the rise in reliance on screen time activities and dependence on video games since the Covid-19 pandemic are estimated to have increased dramatically with some reporting to spend 71% more time gaming.[1]
Emerging behavioural addictions related to screens are estimated to impact between one and three per cent of people in Australia, particularly young males, with an additional 10-20 per cent of young people reporting sub-clinical level of risk.
There is currently a lack of consistent data about the impact of screens, video games and mobile phones on young people and their learning.
NSW Labor has already committed to restricting mobile phones in high schools and to develop a broader digital media literacy program.
Currently phones are banned in government primary schools, but there is no consistent policy for high schools.
NSW Labor’s mobile phone restriction would replicate similar policies used in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, which restrict the use of mobile phones, smart watches, tablets and headphones unless students are under the instruction of a staff member.
In November the Northern Territory Government adopted a full restriction across their schools.
Education outcomes in New South Wales have been declining over the past decade, with the state now ranked 23rd in reading, 31st in maths and 23rd in science compared to other countries in the PISA rankings.
Quotes attributable to Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader:
“For Anna and I one of the biggest challenges in raising our children is getting them off devices – and I know we’re not alone.
“Screen addiction is a relatively new phenomena parents are dealing with, and I’m worried we don’t have enough research to know what the full impact is on young people, and their developing minds.
“It’s important that both parents and teachers have all the facts on the impacts of screens and devices on childhood development.
“We want to ensure that our children can learning in a distraction-free environment, but also engaging with each other face to face and not through a screen.”
Quotes attributable to Prue Car, NSW Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning:
“Labor is already taking steps to address the impact of mobile phones in schools to reduce distraction in the classroom.
“This research will build upon this announcement to look at the broader impact of screen and gaming addictions.”
“Labor’s approach is in stark contrast to Premier Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals, who refuse to ban mobile phones in schools or act to improve education outcomes.”
Quotes attributable to Lyndal Howison, NSW Labor candidate for Ryde:
“As a high school teacher and a parent, I see firsthand the impact that’s screens and technology have on learning and behaviour.
“Schools, teachers and parents would welcome the measures proposed by a Minns Labor Government.”
Quotes attributable to child psychologist Jocelyn Brewer:
“I have spoken to many parents who feel they do not have the support or information to tackle the growing issue of phone, screen and video game use among children, so it is great to see political parties and governments tackling these modern issues and seeking solutions to support families”
Quotes attributable to Carla Wilshire, Director of the Centre for Digital Wellbeing:
“Problematic screen, phone and video game use has a significant impact on kids and parents.
“I am glad that Chris Minns and the Opposition are meeting with experts and taking this issue seriously.”
CHRIS MINNS MP
NSW LABOR LEADER
PRUE CAR MP
NSW DEPUTY LABOR LEADER
NSW SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND EARLY LEARNING
08 July, 2025
