Labour's screen time plan

Labour leader Chris Hipkins wants more children playing after-school sport to reduce screen time.

Funding for Active Me, Kia Tū

The party will spend $12 million over four years through Active Me, Kia Tū, offering up to $300 per year for two years to cover sports costs.

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding

Labour will allocate $16 million over four years for community groups running after-school sports activities for children.

Funding source

The funds come from unallocated spend in Labour’s fiscal plan, not outlined in its fiscal plan.

Education changes

Labour plans to update Ministry of Education screen use policies with clear rules on device usage in classrooms.

Online safety tools

Labour will make online safety tools easier to find and use, referencing free Switch-on Safety filter and Digital Guardian Guide.

Hipkins' statement

Hipkins said too much childhood is spent on screens while sport and hobbies are out of reach for many families.

“"Too much of childhood is being spent on screens, while sport, hobbies and other after-school activities are out of reach for too many families"”

National's response

National education spokeswoman Erica Stanford said Labour's policy mirrors National's screen use policy.

National's policy

National plans to end screen use in early childhood centres and limit device use for Year 1-3 pupils.

National's criticism

Stanford said Labour copying National's plan does not mean Labour has its own plan.

“"Labour’s policy mirrors National’s screen use policy announced four weeks ago and is an admission Labour knows National is on the right track. But copying parts of our plan is not the same as having a plan of its own"”

Hipkins' reading policy

Hipkins supports allowing schools more flexibility with the Government's mandated hour of reading, writing and maths.