The Delhi High Court has held that a ban on the use of mobile phones by students in school is “both undesirable and unworkable” and that there must be a structured policy that allows limited use. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambani headed bench held that while such concerns of smartphone misuse in school are valid, prohibition of them is not practical. Instead, the court envisioned a balancing approach that will justify students having mobile phones for important uses while strictly enforcing monitoring to minimize misuse.
In a February 28 order, Justice Bhambani accepted that there were also risks to unrestricted smartphone use, including distraction and improper conduct. He also pointed out how mobile phones are critical in the safety of students and in communicating with parents. The rule is that students do not have to restrict themselves from bringing smartphones to school, but they have to regulate and monitor their use to prevent misuse, the judge said.
In legitimate uses of technology, when heeded, the court suggested technology can serve education and vocational purposes. It is understood that mobile phones can help students and parents coordinate and improve their safety. The court upheld the need for school discipline but did not order a blanket ban; instead, it required that such be based on a well-drawn policy framework.
In response to a petition filed by a Class 10 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dwarka, who was against attending classes and appearing in the exams after allegedly posting a photo of a teacher on social media, this judgment was given. The Delhi court allowed the student to go for the exams by shifting him to another branch, but asked Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan to chalk out clear guidelines regarding mobile phone usage in schools on the lines of discipline and necessity.
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