Should a device that connects us to the world be restricted in the classroom? That’s the question the Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, is now putting forward as schools across the capital gear up to draft new mobile phone usage policies. This development follows rising concerns about student distraction, digital addiction, privacy violations, and overall classroom discipline.
In a circular issued on April 17, 2025, the DoE directed all government, private, and aided schools in Delhi to frame customized mobile phone policies. These must align with the Delhi High Court's February 28 order, which emphasized a need for "balanced regulation" rather than an outright smartphone ban in schools.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, in his landmark ruling, observed that while smartphones can serve educational and safety purposes, their unregulated use in academic environments may hinder student focus, mental health, and overall well-being. The court encouraged schools to adopt a structured, flexible approach that considers the evolving digital needs of students while maintaining classroom decorum.
The Trigger: A Dwarka School Incident
This move comes on the heels of a widely reported incident at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dwarka, Sector 5, where a student was penalized for using a smartphone during school hours. The case sparked widespread debate, leading to judicial clarification that smartphones are not inherently harmful but require thoughtful and consistent regulation across schools.
Voices from the Ground: Principals and Parents Speak
Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School in Dwarka, stated, “Smartphones are unnecessary in classrooms already equipped with digital tools. However, we do recommend that students carry basic keypad phones for emergency contact.”
Echoing this, Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu Public School, expressed concerns over emotional health and screen time. “Smartphones may connect students virtually, but in many ways, they disconnect them emotionally. Overexposure to screens increases anxiety, reduces attention span, and affects peer relationships,” she explained.
The Delhi Parents’ Association, led by Aparajita Gautam, welcomed the directive but pushed for stricter digital education. “We need more than just restrictions. Digital literacy, cyber safety workshops, and awareness campaigns must be made integral to the curriculum,” she noted. "Smartphones in schools must be seen as tools, not toys."
Key Guidelines from the Delhi High Court
- No smartphone use inside classrooms, buses, or other common school areas.
- Prohibition of any recording device to protect student privacy and school integrity.
- Schools must engage parents, teachers, and students while drafting their smartphone usage policies.
A senior official from the DoE, speaking anonymously, emphasized that this is not a blanket ban. “We want schools to adopt practical, student-centric policies. Dialogue is the key to regulation, not enforcement.”
Delhi at a Digital Crossroads
As Delhi's schools prepare to unveil individual mobile phone guidelines, the city is at a digital crossroads. The question is no longer a simple yes or no to smartphones in schools—it’s about choosing between digital chaos and responsible usage.
With mental health, classroom engagement, and privacy at stake, the capital’s education system must tread carefully. The coming weeks will reveal how Delhi balances 21st-century learning with the timeless need for discipline and focus in education.