Delhi High Court rejects total smartphone ban in schools, establishes new guidelines

A total smartphone ban in schools was rejected by the Delhi High Court, which said that such a policy is neither desirable nor feasible.

Instead, the court established rules to regulate and monitor students' smartphone use while weighing the potential hazards against the educational benefits.

Judge Anup Jairam Bhambhani emphasized that, as technology has become an essential part of education, a complete ban on smartphones is impractical.

The court also pointed out that smartphones enhance students' safety and security by allowing them to stay connected with their parents.

While recognizing the dangers of excessive screen time, exposure to social media, and smartphone misuse, the court said that the focus should be on safe usage rather than an outright ban.

To ensure responsible smartphone use, the Delhi High Court laid down several key principles for schools.

Students should deposit their smartphones during school hours whenever possible, and smartphones should not be used in classrooms, school vehicles, or shared spaces.

Schools must educate students on responsible online behavior, digital etiquette, and ethical smartphone use, while also raising awareness of the risks of excessive screen time, including anxiety, reduced attention span, and cyberbullying.

While smartphones can be used for connectivity and safety, they should not be used for entertainment or recreational purposes.

Policies should be developed with input from parents, teachers, and experts, allowing schools the flexibility to tailor rules to their unique environments.

Finally, clear and reasonable consequences should be established for rule violations, ensuring consistent enforcement without being overly harsh.

In response to Kendriya Vidyalaya's request for smartphone usage guidelines, the court's decision provides a framework that educational institutions can adapt to meet their specific needs.

Additionally, the court recommended that schools could seize smartphones as a disciplinary measure when necessary.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Directorate of Education, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan have all received copies of the court's ruling.

These organizations are expected to implement the guidelines and ensure that schools enforce policies on appropriate smartphone use.

This decision strikes a balance between the benefits of technology in education and the need to manage its risks, ensuring that students can use smartphones in class safely and effectively.

Recently, according to UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring (GEM) team, 60 education systems, or 30% of the world's total, had implemented smartphone bans by the end of 2023.

By the end of 2024, an additional 19 education systems had joined the movement, bringing the total to 79, or 40% of the total registered education systems globally.