Children’s Right to Internet: Supreme Court Push for Digital Access in Every Classroom

The recognition of internet access as a fundamental right for children in India has brought the issue of digital education infrastructure into sharper focus. Ensuring that students can access the internet in classrooms is increasingly important for making education more inclusive, accessible and equitable.

In a significant ruling on October 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of India held that the right to access and use the internet is a fundamental right of every individual under Articles 21 and 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The court clarified that children, irrespective of their age, enjoy the same constitutional rights.

The ruling underlines the importance of providing children with opportunities to use digital resources for education, information and communication. It also challenges blanket restrictions on children's internet access in the name of online safety.

Digital Access Must Reach Every Classroom

Despite the expansion of digital education in India, internet connectivity remains uneven across schools. Students in rural, remote and economically disadvantaged communities often face greater difficulties accessing computers, reliable internet connections and online educational resources.

According to the NITI Aayog's analysis of school education, approximately 63.5% of schools had internet facilities in 2024-25. This means a substantial proportion of schools still lacked reported internet connectivity.

The digital divide can affect students' ability to access online learning platforms, educational videos, digital libraries and other academic resources. Providing internet connectivity in classrooms can help bridge this gap and create more equal learning opportunities.

Supreme Court Emphasises Children's Online Safety

While supporting children's right to internet access, the Supreme Court has also stressed the need to protect them from online exploitation, cyberbullying, inappropriate content and other digital threats.

The court has outlined several measures for schools and educational institutions, including:

• Teaching children about digital safety, personal privacy and responsible internet use from the primary level.
• Displaying Child Helpline 1098 and Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 numbers in classrooms, libraries, hostels and computer laboratories.
• Installing appropriate content filters on devices and internet networks within educational institutions.
• Training teachers and non-teaching staff to identify online harassment, grooming and other forms of child abuse.
• Organising regular awareness programmes for parents on online risks, parental controls and children's digital behaviour.
• Incorporating digital safety and age-appropriate sex education into the school curriculum.

The court has also asked NCERT and State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) to develop appropriate curriculum material in consultation with child psychologists, educators and parenting experts.

Balancing Internet Access with Child Protection

The Supreme Court has made it clear that protecting children online should not mean completely denying them access to the internet. Instead, safety measures should focus on harmful content and those responsible for making it available.

The court has favoured parental guidance, supervision and appropriate safeguards, including child-friendly online settings. It has also recognised that children need access to digital platforms for education, information and the development of essential skills.This approach is particularly relevant as schools increasingly incorporate technology into teaching and learning.

Bridging India's Digital Education Divide

Expanding internet connectivity in schools requires coordinated efforts from the Central and State governments, educational institutions and technology providers.Government initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha, DIKSHA and PM eVIDYA are helping expand digital learning infrastructure and access to educational resources. However, improving connectivity, ensuring functional equipment and training teachers remain important priorities.

The Supreme Court's ruling provides an important constitutional foundation for discussions about children's digital rights. The next challenge is to translate this recognition into meaningful improvements in classrooms, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

Making internet access more equitable, while ensuring a safe digital environment, can help create an education system in which every child has an opportunity to benefit from the possibilities of technology.