Labour releases plan to get kids off devices through new sport funding

Labour is promising to tip more money into two sport-focused programmes as part of its plan to reduce the time children spend on devices.

The party is proposing to spend $12 million over four years through the Active Me – Kia Tū programme, which offers grants of up to $300 per year for two years to assist with children’s sports costs, such as registration and equipment.

Labour would also put $16m over four years into Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, where the funding would be ring-fenced for community groups running after-school sport and activities for children.

The spending is not outlined in Labour’s fiscal plan, however, it is understood the funds would come from the unallocated spend in Labour’s plan.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins and education spokeswoman Ginny Andersen are speaking to media about the policy in Petone at about 2.15pm.

The funding came with proposed changes in education to address screen use and promote online safety tools.

As part of its plan, Labour said it would work with “educators, health experts and young people” to update Ministry of Education recommendations for screen use in early childhood education and schools, requiring “clear screen use policies” including “when and how devices are used in the classroom”.

Labour acknowledged its approach included retaining the Government’s ban on mobile phones in school.

The party said it would also make online safety tools easier to find and use, referencing the “free Switch-on Safety filter and the Digital Guardian Guide”.

“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.

“Parents are struggling to navigate the risks of the online world and young people are telling us they want action on harmful content and the impact it’s having on their lives.

“Technology has its place, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of childhood.”

Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.