Transforming Digital Literacy: Schools Directed to Manage Smartphone Use Responsibly

Smartphone Regulation: Delhi High Court Encourages Supervised Usage in Schools

Globally, UNESCO reports that 79 education systems have banned smartphones in schools as of 2024, reflecting growing concerns about their impact on learning outcomes and student behaviour. Various countries, including China, France, Australia, Spain, and the USA, have taken proactive measures to regulate or limit smartphone usage in schools, emphasising the need to balance technology's advantages with its potential drawbacks in educational settings. Following this global trend, the Delhi High Court’s recent judgment has spurred decisive action in India, calling for comprehensive policies to regulate students' smartphone use in schools. Stressing the importance of maintaining this balance, the court outlined guiding principles aimed at integrating technology responsibly while safeguarding the academic and behavioural well-being of students.

In response, the Delhi Government instructed all government, government-aided, and unaided recognised private schools to formulate specific policies at the school level. Accordingly, the Directorate of Education issued a circular on April 17, 2025, directing school heads to create and implement detailed guidelines for smartphone use among students. Emphasising the court’s principles, the circular urged school administrators to consider both the advantages and challenges of smartphone use in educational settings. Heads of schools were called upon to prioritise student well-being and academic focus while ensuring these policies are effectively established and enforced. Notably, the Delhi High Court, in its judgment delivered by Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, refused to impose a complete ban on students bringing smartphones to school. The court clarified that, in its view, smartphones do not negatively affect classroom teaching, discipline, or the overall learning environment.

This decision was issued in response to a petition filed by a student, represented by Advocate Ashu Bidhuri, seeking formal guidelines on mobile phone usage in schools. The petition noted that key parties, particularly the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), had requested the court to establish such regulations. The court emphasised a need for a balanced approach, permitting students to bring smartphones to school while ensuring their use is strictly regulated and monitored. As part of this regulation, schools were advised to arrange for the safekeeping of smartphones, with students depositing them upon entry and retrieving them upon departure.

Furthermore, the court prohibited smartphone usage in classrooms to avoid disruptions and banned the use of cameras and recording features in school common areas and vehicles. In addition, it directed schools to educate students on responsible online behaviour, digital etiquette, and the psychological risks of excessive screen time, such as anxiety, reduced attention spans, and cyberbullying. The court further stated that smartphones should be allowed strictly for safety and coordination purposes, while their use for entertainment or recreational activities should be prohibited. Importantly, it advised that these school policies be formulated in consultation with parents, educators, and experts to ensure a well-rounded and inclusive approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.

Moreover, schools were encouraged to tailor their smartphone regulations to suit their specific contexts. This could include permitting limited use in designated areas or imposing stricter restrictions during particular times or events, depending on the institution's unique needs. The judgment also emphasised the necessity of including clear, fair, and enforceable consequences for policy violations. Suggested disciplinary measures included temporary confiscation of the device or barring students from carrying smartphones for a specified duration. However, the court stressed that these penalties should be applied consistently and should not be excessively harsh. Lastly, the court advised that the policy be reviewed and updated regularly to address the evolving challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. The judgment promotes a balanced, flexible, and responsible framework for smartphone use in schools, aiming to safeguard educational integrity while adapting to the realities of a digital age.

Editor’s Note:

The recent judgment by the Delhi High Court regarding the use of smartphones in schools is both timely and essential. In an era where technology has become an integral part of students’ lives, calls for outright bans on smartphones fail to acknowledge the reality of their permanence in modern society. The Court's decision to refrain from imposing a blanket prohibition, while advocating for regulated and monitored usage, demonstrates a commendable understanding of the contemporary educational landscape.

A notable aspect of the judgment is its nuanced approach, which recognises both the risks and the potential benefits of mobile technology in schools. By emphasising measures such as supervised usage, restricted access during class hours, and the prohibition of recording devices in sensitive areas, the ruling prioritises student welfare without resorting to regressive actions. Furthermore, the Court has underscored the importance of collaborative policymaking by involving parents, educators, and experts in the development of comprehensive guidelines. This inclusive approach acknowledges the diverse needs of educational institutions and provides them with the flexibility to tailor policies that suit their unique contexts.

Skoobuzz highlights that if implemented thoughtfully, this decision has the potential to redefine digital literacy, foster responsible behaviour, and enhance student safety within India’s education system.