'A lot has changed': Delhi HC says total smartphone ban for students ‘undesirable’

NEW DELHI: A complete ban on the use of smartphones by school students is both an "undesirable and unworkable approach", Delhi high court has underlined.
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, HC also laid down norms to guide schools on framing a policy for the use of smartphones by students. Examining guidelines issued by govt bodies and school boards in this regard, Justice Anup J Bhambhani noted that these "proceed on the fundamental premise that the use of smartphones in school should be banned".
The court was hearing a case of a minor student who misused a smartphone in school, leading to strict action by the concerned Kendriya Vidyalaya against him.
HC on mobiles in schools: A lot has changed in past few years
During the hearing, however, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan urged HC to lay down guidelines for the use of smartphones in schools.
HC acknowledged the "deleterious and harmful effects that arise from the indiscriminate use and misuse of smartphones in school", but said "smartphones also serve several salutary purposes, including as devices that help with coordination between parents and the children, which adds to the safety and security of students attending school".
The court also stressed that "much has changed in the past years as regards the use of technology, including for educational and other related purposes".
"As a matter of policy, students should not be barred from carrying smartphones to school, but the use of smartphones in school must be regulated and monitored. Where it is possible to make arrangements for the safekeeping of smartphones, students should be required to deposit their smartphones when they enter school and take them back when returning home," HC directed. It said smartphones must not disrupt classroom teaching, discipline, or the overall educational atmosphere.
"To this end, the use of smartphones in class must be prohibited. The use of cameras and recording facilities on smartphones should also be barred in the common areas of the school as well as in school vehicles; schools must educate students on responsible online behaviour, digital manners, and the ethical use of smartphones. Students must be counselled that high levels of screen time and social media engagement can lead to anxiety, diminished attention spans, and cyber-bullying," it further noted.
HC said the policy should permit the use of smartphones for connectivity and purposes of safety and coordination, but disallow them for entertainment/recreational use.