Australia scraps digital writing tests for Year 5 pupils

Australia will revert to pen-and-paper writing tests for Year 5 students beginning in 2028, following growing concerns over the impact of excessive screen time and digital technology on children's learning outcomes. The decision, made by Australia's education ministers, will see students complete the National Assessment Programme – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) writing test on paper instead of computers.

Prue Car, South Wales Deputy Premier and Education Minister, cited evidence suggesting that excessive screen exposure negatively affects students and their academic performance. Car stated that there is ample evidence to support the move to pen and paper for Year 5 NAPLAN writing, which will complement the existing pen and paper tests for Year 3.

Car also advocated for the return of paper-based writing assessments for Years 7 and 9, with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority expected to advise ministers on the proposal. Car explained that students perform better when writing by hand compared to typing on screens. The decision comes amid declining academic performance among Australian students, with recent international assessments revealing challenges in literacy, numeracy, and students' use of digital devices.

Australian students recorded their lowest results in the Programme for International Student Assessment, a comparison of educational performance across countries. NAPLAN results have consistently shown that about one-third of Australian students do not meet foundational literacy and numeracy expectations. The Heads Up Alliance, a grassroots movement of parents advocating for reduced screen time, welcomed the proposed changes but called for further reforms.

The organization's founder, Dany Elachi, stated that the decision is a step in the right direction but emphasized the need for more comprehensive changes to address the decline in educational standards.