iPads

Changes to Digital Device Use

As mentioned in our school newsletter earlier this term, from 2027, the Victorian Government is introducing changes to the use of digital devices for students from Prep to Grade 6.

Under the new guidelines, schools:

• will no longer invite families to purchase or bring their own digital devices to use at school for Prep to Grade 6
• will follow new recommended digital device times, including minimal device time for Prep to Grade 2; and a maximum of 90 minutes per day for grades 3 to 6.

These changes are intended to support families by reducing cost-of-living pressures. These reforms complement Victoria’s nation-leading mobile phone restrictions, ensuring an integrated approach to addressing digital distraction and the inappropriate use of technology.

What This Means for Our School

This means we will be ceasing our current BYOD program for Grades 4 – 6 from 2027 onwards. We are currently in the process of working out what that will look like in 2027 but at this stage, we may have shared iPads among the year levels.

Students who will be in Years 5 and 6 in 2026 will be required to bring their devices to school next year as we are yet to purchase class sets of iPads for the students to share. The students going into Year 4 in 2026 are permitted to bring an iPad if they have one but are not required to purchase one. Any 2026 Year 4 students who don’t have an iPad will use the current iPad they have in Year 3. Like this year, the iPad will be used solely by the students, but it will remain at school and not be taken home.

Students with disabilities who use a digital device as a reasonable adjustment are exempt from these changes.

You can read more about the changes on the department’s website: Digital Learning: Policy.

2026 iPad App List

For the students going into Year 4 (if already owned) and the Year 5 and 6 students who will be bringing an iPad to school in 2026, attached is the 2026 iPad App List. It has not changed from 2025.