The NSW Department of Education has finalised its response to the findings arising from the review recommendations made in the review report.

A new digital technology policy was released for NSW public schools in 2020. It covers student use of smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops and any other device that allows connectivity to the internet and applications.

The new policy includes the digital device restriction for primary schools announced by the NSW Government in December 2018 in response to the review. Under the new policy, secondary schools retain discretion to opt into the restriction or implement an approach that best suits their circumstances and the needs of their diverse communities.

Read the Student use of digital devices and online services policy.

The policy builds upon the important work in schools teaching young people to use digital technology in safe, responsible and respectful ways as we prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Each school will work with their students and local communities to implement the new arrangements. Schools will be expected to update their existing school procedure or develop a new one during 2020 to reflect the new requirements.

The department's Digital Citizenship platform provides information and support for schools and has been updated to reflect the new policy and includes new content.

The department has published our response to each of the recommendations in the review.

Additional information