National Party Promises Screen Time Limits in Schools and Daycares

New Zealand's National Party has announced plans to restrict digital device use in all primary schools and early childhood education centres. The proposed policy aims to curb excessive screen usage among young children and refocus classroom hours on traditional learning methods. Party leaders stated that excessive device time harms young students' focus and basic learning skills. Under the new guidelines, schools would need to limit daily digital instruction and remove phones or tablets during non-academic periods. Early childhood facilities would also face stricter rules regarding digital media exposure for toddlers and young kids. The policy forms part of a broader educational reform package designed to improve student achievement scores across the country.