Delhi HC issues guidelines for use of smartphones in schools

The Delhi High Court has issued a slew of guidelines for the use of smartphones in schools, saying that while students should not be barred from carrying smartphones the use of mobile devices in school must be regulated and monitored. A bench of Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani said that schools must educate students on responsible online behaviour, digital manners, and the ethical use of smartphones, adding that students must be counselled that high levels of screen time and social media engagement can lead to anxiety, diminished attention spans and



cyber-bullying. 

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. The policy on regulating and monitoring the use of smartphones in school should be made in consultation with parents, educators, and experts, to evolve a balanced approach that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties involved. A bench of Justice Bhambhani was urged by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) to lay down guidelines for the use of smartphones in schools.