Labour announces plan to reduce children's screen time

Labour has announced a policy to reduce children's screen time by making sports and community activities more affordable. The plan involves investing $7 million annually into two programmes. This includes $3 million per year for Active Me – Kia Tū, which provides grants of up to $300 for costs like uniforms and equipment. An additional $4 million per year would be allocated to Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa to support community groups running after-school activities.

The policy also aims to establish healthier boundaries for device use in education. Labour intends to work with health experts, educators, and young people to update Ministry of Education recommendations for schools and early childhood education. School and kura boards would be required to implement clear policies regarding when and how devices are used in classrooms. Labour stated it would retain the existing classroom mobile phone ban.

To support families, the party plans to make online safety tools, such as the Digital Guardian Guide and the Switch on Safety filter, easier to access. This initiative aligns with Labour's AI Action Plan, which includes establishing an independent online regulator and supporting the safe use of artificial intelligence in schools.

Education spokesperson Ginny Andersen added that the policy builds on expert recommendations made to the Government in 2024.

Where reports differ

• One report states the $3 million for Active Me – Kia Tū is for grants of up to $300 for two years, while another describes it as up to $300 per year for two years
• The location of the announcement is described as Petone or Petone, Lower Hutt

Compiled from reports by The Post, NZ Herald, RNZ and 1News.