Kids and Screens: Screen-Time Rules, Kids’ Apps, Phone Bans — 2026-09-14
New South Wales has announced strict new screen-time caps for public schools, mandating at least one hour of pen-and-paper learning daily. In the US, New Jersey’s comprehensive cellphone ban is now fully in effect, while South Korea faces enforcement gaps as nearly 17% of schools lack formal phone-use rules.
Kids and Screens: Screen-Time Rules, Kids’ Apps, Phone Bans — 2026-09-14
Top developments
NSW imposes strict screen-time caps and mandates pen-and-paper learning
On September 13, 2026, the New South Wales government announced a new policy limiting digital device use in all public schools. The rules cap screen time for homework and classroom activities, with some year groups limited to as little as 15 minutes of digital learning per day. The policy also mandates that students write with pen and paper for at least one hour daily to improve attention and educational outcomes following poor test results.
NJ cellphone ban enforcement begins with detention penalties
New Jersey’s state-mandated ban on student cellphones during school hours is now strictly enforced as of early September 2026. First-time offenders at some high schools face Saturday detention and device confiscation. The law requires all districts to prohibit phone use from the first bell to the last, aiming to reduce distractions and improve social interaction among students.
South Korean schools struggle to enforce phone bans
Six months after South Korea amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to legally restrict smart device use in schools, nearly one in six schools still lacks specific school rules regarding phones. Reports indicate that students are using "second phones" to bypass restrictions, creating an ongoing conflict between educators and students over compliance and enforcement methods.
Meta expands parental controls to Threads
On September 12, 2026, Meta announced it is expanding its "Family Center" parental supervision features to Threads. Parents can now manage their children’s usage time, set sleep modes, and review posts on the Threads app, mirroring controls previously available only on Instagram and Facebook. This move follows Meta's broader "Screen Smart" roundtable discussions on youth online safety.
Local view
South Korea: Media outlets highlight the gap between policy and practice. Weekly Hankook reports that while the legal framework for banning phones exists, the lack of standardized school rules allows for inconsistent enforcement, with many schools failing to update their codes of conduct since the March 2026 amendment. Sisa IN provides a comparative perspective, noting that Australia’s recent SNS ban for teens serves as a model that South Korean policymakers are closely watching, though local implementation remains fragmented.
France: The debate continues over the "Portable en pause" (Phone on Pause) initiative. Le Café Pédagogique discusses the cost and practicality of anti-radiation pouches used in some departments like Haute-Savoie, questioning if they are effective or merely a "false good idea" compared to simple storage policies.
Context & numbers
- 1 Hour Daily: The minimum amount of time NSW students must spend writing with pen and paper under the new policy.
- 1 in 6 Schools: The proportion of South Korean schools that still do not have formal school rules regarding smartphone use, despite national legislation.
- 15 Minutes: The screen-time cap for certain year groups in NSW public schools for specific learning activities.
On the radar
- England Statutory Guidance Enforcement: While statutory guidance on phone bans became effective June 29, 2026, reports suggest some schools are ignoring the rules. Further inspections and potential penalties are expected in the coming weeks as the Department for Education reviews compliance.
- California Liability Laws: Following recent legislative moves in California to impose liability on social media companies for child safety violations, other states are monitoring the legal outcomes. This could trigger a wave of similar "duty of care" laws for platforms targeting minors.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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