Following an important decision of the Delhi High Court, the Delhi government has directed all government, aided and private recognized schools in the National Capital Region to formulate smartphone policy. The government said that they should prepare a clear and balanced policy by students for the use of smartphones in the school and implement it.
The Directorate of Education said in a circular issued on April 17, 2025, “The Hon’ble High Court has clarified that there are both benefits and disadvantages related to the use of smartphones in schools. Therefore, it is necessary to make a dedicated policy at the school level that can see these aspects balanced.”
The Delhi High Court recently refused to completely ban the smartphone in schools in one of its decisions. In this judgment passed by Justice Anoop Jairam Bhambhani, the court said that smartphones could also have a positive relationship with education in the era of technology. Provided it is used under control and monitoring.
The decision came during the hearing of the petition filed by a minor student. In which there was a demand to fix guidelines on the use of smartphones in schools. This petition was filed by advocate Ashu Bidhuri on behalf of the student.
During the hearing of the petition, suggestions were also invited from bodies like Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), National Child Rights Protection Commission (NCPCR) and Delhi Child Rights Protection Commission (DCPCR). Especially Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) requested the court to establish guidelines for the use of smartphones in schools.
The court clarified that its aim is to ensure that the balance could be established between the possible benefits and losses of allowing students to use the smartphone. Under this, it was recommended that schools should be limited and controlled under a fixed structure, rather than completely preventing students from bringing smartphones. There should be a system to deposit the smartphone in school and withdraw while returning home. So that there is no disruption in teaching.
Along with this, a complete ban on the use of smartphones in the classroom has been recommended. The use of camera and recording facilities has also been banned in general areas and vehicles of the school. Emphasis has been laid on the need to educate students on digital etiquette, online responsibility and ethical use of smartphones. Also, they should also be advised on subjects like screen time, social media addiction, lack of focusing and cyberbulling.
The court also said that the policy provides that smartphones can only be used for safety, coordination and necessary contacts. Not for entertainment or social media. This policy should be prepared based on the suggestions of school management, teachers, parents and experts. So that it can balance everyone’s concerns and needs.
Schools have been given freedom to implement policies according to their circumstances and needs. These policies can allow limited use in limited areas or also apply complete restrictions during specific time and programs.
In addition, a fair and transparent penalty should be arranged by students on violation of rules. Which can include steps like seizing the smartphone for some time or preventing the student from bringing the phone on special days. However, the punishment should not be extremely rigid. But they must be applied continuously and fairly.
The court said that policies should be reviewed from time to time. So that necessary changes can be made according to technical changes and new challenges.
