New Delhi, March 3: The Delhi High Court has ruled against imposing a complete ban on smartphones in schools. In its ruling, the court emphasized that the use of smartphones does not adversely affect teaching, discipline, or the overall educational environment.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani issued the decision during the hearing of a petition filed by a student seeking guidelines for mobile phone usage in schools. The court clarified that it aimed to create guidelines that would strike a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of students using smartphones in school settings.
The following principles were outlined in the ruling:
Smartphones Allowed but Regulated: Students should not be prohibited from bringing smartphones to school, but their use should be strictly regulated and monitored.
Safekeeping Arrangements: Where feasible, schools should make provisions for students to safely store their smartphones upon entry and retrieve them at the end of the day.
Classroom Disruption: Smartphones must not interfere with classroom instruction, discipline, or the overall educational atmosphere. Therefore, smartphones should be banned from classroom use, and their cameras or recording functions should also be prohibited in common school areas and vehicles.
Digital Responsibility Education: Schools should educate students on responsible online behavior, digital etiquette, and ethical smartphone use. Students must be made aware of the potential risks associated with excessive screen time, such as anxiety, reduced attention spans, and exposure to cyberbullying.
Safety and Connectivity: The policy should allow students to use smartphones for safety-related purposes and communication, but should prohibit their use for recreational or entertainment activities.
Consultation with Stakeholders: The regulations for smartphone use should be developed in collaboration with parents, educators, and experts to ensure a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of all parties involved.
Discretion for Individual Schools: Schools should have the autonomy to implement policies that suit their unique needs, which could include allowing limited smartphone use in specific areas or times, or enforcing stricter bans on their use during certain events.
Fair Enforcement and Consequences: The policy should outline fair, transparent, and enforceable consequences for violations of the rules regarding smartphone use, ensuring consistency without being overly harsh. Possible actions might include temporarily confiscating smartphones or banning their use for a specified period.
Periodic Policy Review: Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, the policy should be regularly reviewed and updated to address new challenges and emerging issues.
The petition, represented by Advocate Ashu Bidhuri, was brought by a minor student seeking clarity on smartphone usage in schools. During the proceedings, various stakeholders, including the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and the Delhi Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, presented their views and suggestions to the court.
