Following a recent judgment by the Delhi High Court, the Delhi Government has instructed all schools in the capital to create their own policies regulating students’ use of smartphones on campus.
The directive, issued by the Directorate of Education on April 17, 2025, applies to government, government-aided, and unaided recognised private schools. This move comes in response to the High Court’s refusal to impose a blanket ban on students bringing smartphones to school.
Court Highlights
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, in a key ruling, emphasized that smartphones should not be outrightly prohibited in schools, but their usage must be carefully managed. The court noted, “The Hon’ble court has drawn up guiding principles to balance the beneficial and deleterious effects of permitting the use of smartphones in the hands of students while attending the school.”
The court stressed that smartphones, if properly regulated, do not inherently disrupt classroom learning, discipline, or the overall educational environment.
Safeguards & Regulations Recommended
While acknowledging the importance of connectivity for student safety and coordination, the court recommended that schools regulate how smartphones are used during school hours.
According to the judgment:
- Students should ideally deposit their phones upon entering the school and collect them while leaving.
- Use of smartphones inside classrooms must be strictly prohibited.
- Cameras and recording features should not be used in school common areas or vehicles.
- Smartphones should never interfere with teaching or discipline.
Focus On Digital Responsibility & Well-Being
The court also highlighted the need for digital literacy. Schools are encouraged to educate students about responsible online behaviour, digital etiquette, and the risks of excessive screen time. Students should be made aware of the impact of social media, including issues like cyberbullying and reduced attention spans.
Schools Granted Autonomy With Accountability
The Education Department’s circular allows schools flexibility in tailoring their smartphone policies based on individual needs. Institutions can choose to allow limited smartphone use in designated areas or impose stricter controls during events or specific times.
However, any policy must include fair and clearly enforceable consequences for violations. Disciplinary actions could include temporary confiscation of the device or a ban on carrying the phone for a set number of days.
Policy-Making Must Be Inclusive & Evolving
The court advised that policies be formulated in consultation with parents, educators, and child welfare experts. Additionally, given the rapid pace of technological change, schools must review and update their policies regularly to adapt to new challenges.
During the proceedings, suggestions were invited from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, who participated in the discussions.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
