The Delhi High Court has declared that imposing a complete ban on the use of smartphones by students in schools is both "undesirable and unworkable." Instead, the court has issued comprehensive guidelines to regulate the use of smartphones in schools to ensure a balanced approach that maintains discipline while allowing necessary access.
Court's Observations
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, while addressing the matter, emphasized that students should not be prohibited from carrying smartphones to school. However, their usage must be carefully monitored and regulated to prevent misuse.
"Where it is possible to make arrangements for safekeeping of smartphones, students should be required to deposit their smartphones when they enter school and take them back when returning home," the Court stated.
The ruling was made in response to a petition filed by a minor student from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sector-05, Dwarka, who faced disciplinary action for misusing a smartphone on school premises.
Key Guidelines for Smartphone Use in Schools:-
- The court has laid out clear guidelines to ensure that smartphones serve beneficial purposes without disrupting the educational environment:
- Classroom Restrictions: The use of smartphones in classrooms is strictly prohibited to prevent disruptions in teaching, discipline issues, and distractions.
- Ban on Cameras & Recording Devices: The use of smartphone cameras and recording facilities in common school areas and vehicles is not allowed.
- Digital Awareness & Counseling: Schools must educate students about responsible online behavior, digital etiquette, and ethical smartphone usage. They should be informed about the harmful effects of excessive screen time, such as anxiety, reduced attention span, and cyberbullying.
- Permitted Use for Safety & Coordination: Smartphones can be used for communication between students and parents for safety and coordination but should not be used for recreational or entertainment purposes.
- Parental & Educator Consultation: Any policy regarding smartphone regulation should be formulated with inputs from parents, educators, and child safety experts to create a balanced and effective approach.
- School-Specific Implementation: Schools should be given the flexibility to enforce policies based on their unique circumstances, such as restricting smartphone use in specific areas or banning them during certain events.
- Fair Disciplinary Measures: The policy should have well-defined, transparent, and enforceable consequences for violations. Possible penalties include temporary confiscation of the smartphone or restrictions on bringing it to school for a certain period.
- Regular Policy Review: With technological advancements, schools must regularly update and review their policies to address emerging challenges related to smartphone usage.
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The court examined various existing circulars and notifications, including:
- The 2009 CBSE circular restricting smartphone use in schools.
- The 2009 KVS directive on mobile phone restrictions.
- The 2023 advisory by the Directorate of Education, Government of Delhi, under Rule 43 of DSER 1973.
Despite these existing guidelines, the court observed that they had not achieved the desired results, necessitating a fresh, comprehensive approach.
"The previous guidelines were broad and did not address the evolving nature of technology and its implications for students. A complete ban is neither practical nor beneficial," the court noted.
While the court acknowledged the potential risks of smartphone misuse, such as distractions, cyberbullying, and mental health issues, it also recognized their utility in ensuring student safety and communication with parents.
"Smartphones serve several beneficial purposes, including facilitating coordination between parents and children, adding to student safety and security," Justice Bhambhani stated.
The newly issued guidelines aim to strike a balance between minimizing the harmful effects of smartphone use while allowing their benefits to be utilized responsibly within the school environment.
The High Court has directed the concerned authorities, including the CBSE, Directorate of Education (Delhi), and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, to review their existing policies in light of these guidelines. However, the court refrained from interfering with their policies at this stage.
Additionally, it has been ordered that a copy of this ruling be uploaded on the Delhi High Court website and forwarded to the relevant education authorities for implementation.
