'Complete ban…undesirable': Delhi HC sets guidelines for student smartphone use
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has called a blanket ban on students' use of smartphones in schools "undesirable and unworkable."
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani emphasized the need for regulated use of smartphones, admitting their importance in education.
The court observed that smartphones improve student safety by enabling communication with parents but also acknowledged risks like excessive screen time, anxiety, and cyberbullying.
Guidelines issued
Court's guidelines for responsible smartphone use in schools
The court also issued guidelines to ensure responsible smartphone use in schools.
These include depositing smartphones during school hours wherever possible and prohibiting their use in classrooms, school vehicles, or shared spaces.
The court also advised schools to educate students on responsible online behavior and ethical smartphone use.
"Where it is possible...students should be required to deposit their smartphones when they enter school and take them back when returning home," the court said.
Policy advice
Court advises schools on smartphone policy development
The court further suggested that smartphones should be used for connectivity and safety purposes but not for entertainment.
It recommended that policies be developed with input from parents, teachers, and experts to suit each school's unique environment.
Schools are encouraged to establish clear consequences for rule violations, ensuring consistent enforcement without harsh penalties.
The guidelines were prompted by a case involving a minor student penalized for smartphone misuse at a Kendriya Vidyalaya.
Framework provided
Court's decision provides framework for schools
The court's decision gives a framework that schools can modify according to their requirements.
A copy of the order has been dispatched to concerned educational bodies, including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, to implement these guidelines in the right spirit.
Justice Bhambhani observed that earlier guidelines issued by CBSE and KVS in 2009 didn't produce the desired result.