Labour leader Chris Hipkins and education spokesperson Ginny Andersen are announcing the party’s plan to get children off screens and into after-school activities, speaking from Petone, Lower Hutt.
The Kids Off Screens policy would boost funding for community sports and activity grants to make after-school activities more affordable for families.
Labour would also work with experts, schools and young people to set healthier boundaries on screen use. It would give parents accessible online safety tools, and support schools to use technology safely through an education AI app.
“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,” Hipkins said.
“Technology has its place, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of childhood.”
Andersen said Labour would build on expert recommendations made to the government in 2024.
“Kids need to be able to concentrate on learning, build friendships and develop the social skills that will serve them throughout their lives,” she said.
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