Students at Victorian government, Catholic and Independent schools will be required to switch off and store smart glasses during school hours and school activities from the start of 2027.
Adults will also be banned from wearing smart glasses and other covert filming devices at government schools, with the government proposing to extend the restriction to non-government schools if re-elected.
The Victorian Government announced the policy on 21 October, extending its existing restrictions on personal electronic devices in schools. The move follows Western Australia’s ban on smart glasses in public schools, introduced at the start of Term 4, 2026.
How does the smart glasses ban fit with existing device rules?
Victoria already requires students at government schools to switch off and securely store their mobile phones during the school day. From 28 January 2027, restrictions will extend to students at Catholic and Independent schools, with rules also covering wearable devices such as smartwatches and personal audio devices.
The new smart glasses policy addresses the additional privacy and safety risks posed by wearable technology capable of recording images, video and audio, including AI-enabled glasses.
Who will the new restrictions cover?
From the start of the 2027 school year, students in government, Catholic and Independent schools will be required to switch off and store personal electronic devices, including smart glasses, during school hours and school activities.
At government schools, the restrictions will also apply to adults. Teachers, parents and volunteers will be prohibited from wearing smart glasses and other covert filming devices on school grounds and during school-organised activities off campus, including camps and excursions. These restrictions will apply at all times during those activities, not only during school hours.
The adult ban will not initially extend to Catholic and Independent schools. The government has committed to extending it to non-government schools through legislation if re-elected.
The government has specified that exemptions for people with disability will be available as a reasonable adjustment when no other suitable adjustment can be provided.
How does Victoria’s policy compare with WA?
Western Australia introduced restrictions on smart glasses in public schools from the beginning of Term 4, 2026.
Victoria’s policy will apply to students across government and non-government school sectors from the start of 2027. Its additional restrictions on adults will initially apply to government schools, with an extension to non-government schools dependent on the government’s re-election and subsequent legislation.
Both states’ approaches reflect growing concern about the potential for discreet recording devices to compromise privacy and safety in school environments.
What should school leaders do before 2027?
School leaders should prepare to communicate the new student device requirements to families, staff and students ahead of the 2027 school year.
Government schools will also need to ensure their policies and communications address the restrictions on adults wearing smart glasses and other covert filming devices during school activities, including excursions and camps.
For principals, ICT leaders and school boards, the announcement highlights the need to keep device policies current as wearable technology develops. Clear expectations around recording, privacy, consent and acceptable device use will help school communities understand the new requirements.
Source: Victorian Government, Smart Glasses To Be Banned In All Victorian Schools, 21 October 2026.