The Victorian government is taking further steps to reduce screen time in schools, announcing mandatory device-free periods for all secondary year levels. Under new guidelines set to take effect from term one next year, students will be restricted to no more than two hours of device use during school hours.
New Screen Time Rules for Victorian Students
Education Minister Ben Carroll outlined the changes, stating, "We are launching guidelines in the coming months and we will work with the schools, but there shouldn't be any more than two hours. We want eyes up, screens down." The government will collaborate with schools over the coming months to ensure smooth integration of the device-free periods into existing learning frameworks.
The move aims to reduce distractions and promote more engaged learning environments. Schools have been given several months to prepare for the implementation, which will begin in term one of the next academic year.
Two Charged in Sydney Carjacking and Kidnapping
In other news, two men have been charged following the alleged carjacking and kidnapping of a French national in Sydney's southwest. The 22-year-old victim was collecting e-bikes in a Volkswagen van on Lawford Street in Greenacre around 2:30am on Monday when he was allegedly threatened and assaulted by three men.
The attackers then allegedly forced him to drive to nearby Cornelia Street, where they abandoned the van and forced him into another Volkswagen. Police located the vehicle on Lawford Street and observed three men fleeing the scene. The victim was found inside the car with facial injuries and was taken to hospital in a serious condition.
Shortly after, police arrested two men, aged 32 and 26. Both have been charged with being passengers in a stolen vehicle, while one faces an additional charge of trespassing. Investigations are ongoing as authorities search for the third suspect.
