Ban on use of smartphones by school students ‘undesirable’: HC

The Delhi High Court recently said that a complete ban on the use of smartphones by students attending school is both an “undesirable” and “unworkable approach”.

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambani was hearing a plea of a student studying in a Kendriya Vidyalaya, who had to face consequences for allegedly using a smartphone on the school premises.

The court issued guidelines to balance the beneficial and deleterious effects of permitting the use of smartphones by school students.

Though certain guidelines on the issue were made by the CBSE and the KVS in 2009, the court observed the desired result wasn’t achieved.

The court in its order dated February 28 said: “Students should not be barred from carrying smartphones to the school, but the use of smartphones in the school must be regulated and monitored.”

It further said where possible, schools should arrange for safekeeping of smartphones, requiring students to deposit them upon arrival and collect them when leaving.

“Smartphones must not disrupt classroom teaching, discipline or the overall educational atmosphere. To this end, the use of smartphones in class must be prohibited. Use of cameras and recording facility on smartphones should also be barred in the common areas of the school as well as in school vehicles,” it said.

It also said that schools must educate students on responsible online behaviour, digital etiquette and ethical use of smartphones while counselling them on the negative effects of excessive screen time and social media engagement, including anxiety, reduced attention spans and cyberbullying.

The order said while smartphones may be used for safety and coordination, these should not be used for entertainment or recreation. The policy should be formulated in consultation with parents, educators and experts to ensure a balanced approach.

“Given the fast-paced advancement of technology, the policy should be regularly reviewed and revised to tackle emerging challenges,” it concluded.

The judge directed a copy of the order to be expeditiously sent to the chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education, director of Delhi Government’s Directorate of Education and the Commissioner of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.