AI-generated summary
International testing by the Programme for International Student Assessment revealed Australian students' reading and maths have been going backwards over the past 20 years, and Australian school kids spend more time using devices than kids in other OECD countries.
Screen-time limits and limits on kids using generative AI will be considered at schools across the country as part of a push to improve education outcomes.
The move follows international testing which, earlier this year, revealed Australian students' reading and maths have been going backwards over the past 20 years.
The same tests, by the Programme for International Student Assessment, found Australian school kids spend more time using devices than kids in other OECD countries.
At a meeting of the nation's education ministers earlier this week, they agreed to set, or at least consider, screen-time limits.
Under the plan a digital detox taskforce will be established to lead the charge on cutting down on the use of devices in schools.
"We're announcing the next stage of reforms to help our kids learn and to support our teachers," Federal Education Minister Jason Clare says.
The education ministers also agreed to change the maths curriculum for primary school students and improve the way kids learn about antisemitism.
"Schools don't just teach numeracy, literacy and critical thinking skills. They also build character," Clare says.
Hello and welcome to our federal politics live blog! It's great to have you join us here this Thursday morning.
I'm Josh Boscaini, joining you live from Parliament House in Canberra, here and ready to bring you all of today's federal politics news.
There might be a lot happening in US politics, but things are still ticking along here in Australian politics too!
Education ministers have agreed to consider imposing screen-time limits and limits on kids using generative AI at schools across the country.
Let's get right into this and see where it leads us!
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
A digital detox taskforce will be established to lead efforts to reduce device use in schools.
Very likely · Within weeks
The maths curriculum for primary school students will be changed.
Very likely · Within months
The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) advises schools to use AI sparingly in classrooms, warning that overreliance can hinder students' ability to develop independent thinking and foundational knowledge, particularly in early primary years, and recommends avoiding AI in the first three years of school.
Cornell University has banned all fraternity parties and social events until the end of the academic year in August following public outcry over its handling of a 2024 gang rape allegation at the Chi Phi Fraternity house. President Michael Kotlikoff announced the suspension alongside a zero-tolerance policy, involvement of New York State Police in sexual assault investigations, and the appointment of Sally Yates to lead an independent review. The measures come after mass protests, a civil lawsuit by Jane Doe, and renewed criminal investigations led by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The university also plans to add victim advocates and expand prevention programs.
Julie Craig, 65, is learning her native Gumbaynggirr language at Kulai Preschool on the NSW Mid North Coast, where she attended as a child and now works as an educator. Her great-granddaughter also attends the preschool, which was established in 1961 and became an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation in 1989. The article highlights language revitalisation efforts through preschools like Kulai and Dalaigur, and the Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School opened in 2022, with research showing stronger cultural identity among children who attend these programs.
Western Australia will pilot a 'Back to Basics' program in 10 public schools starting Term 1, 2027, restricting screen time for Kindergarten to Year 2 students to restore face-to-face learning.
Western Australia's government announced a business case to merge Curtin University, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia, aiming to boost economic benefits and research funding despite strong opposition from the universities.

Australian universities report filling only two-thirds of international student places on average, with regional institutions hardest hit by visa fee hikes, high refusal rates, and political debate, leading to financial deficits, job cuts, and concerns about impacts on domestic students and regional skills shortages.