Despite growing up online, test shows school students' digital literacy at new low

Australia’s national digital literacy tests, conducted by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) in May 2025, showed alarming declines in student proficiency. Only 37% of year 10 students and 50% of year 6 students met the required standards, the lowest results since testing began in 2005. The decline is steepest among Indigenous students, those in remote areas, and low socio-economic groups, who lagged behind their peers in skills like creating presentations, searching for information, analyzing data, and online safety. The test, part of the NAPLAN program, is administered every three years. ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel described the results as a 'worst-ever' performance, noting that while students use digital devices more frequently, proficiency in critical skills has not kept pace. 'Just because you have a tool doesn’t mean you know how to use it,' Gniel said, emphasizing the need for students to evaluate information trustworthiness and understand online risks. A separate survey found that 25% of year 10 students use AI frequently for school tasks, with over 60% using it monthly to generate written content. Gniel warned against over-reliance on AI, stressing the importance of foundational skills in math, English, history, science, and art. He also hinted that future tests may include AI-related assessments. Education Minister Jason Clare called the declining trend 'puzzling,' given the increased access to digital technology. He tasked the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) with investigating the results and plans to discuss AI’s broader impact on learning with education ministers later this year. Clare acknowledged the need to support teachers and students in adapting to AI while maintaining essential academic disciplines.