New Delhi: In recent years, smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, even for children. Their use in educational settings, however, has sparked a debate among parents, educators and policymakers.
Delhi High Court recently ruled against a complete ban on smartphones in schools, calling such an approach neither practical nor desirable. Instead, the court framed guidelines to regulate and monitor students' smartphone use, balancing educational benefits with potential risks.
It was hearing a case involving a minor student who misused a smartphone at school, resulting in strict disciplinary action.
One of the key arguments in favour of smartphones in schools is their potential as educational tools. According to Jyotika Jakhar, principal of Tagore International School, technology has become an integral part of life, and schools must prepare students for a future that revolves around it. "Even if they use AI to generate text, I hope they will inculcate something from that too, which will add to their learning. You cannot completely ban these things," she explained.
According to teachers, when used responsibly, smartphones can provide access to a wealth of information, educational apps and learning resources that can significantly enhance students' academic experience. Another advantage is the sense of safety for both students and parents.
However, their use in schools also raises significant concerns, including the scope for distraction. Divya Bhatia, principal of Amity International School, noted that indiscriminate use of smartphones was a growing concern for many schools. "We discourage students from bringing phones to school. For senior secondary students, in case of special requirements, students carry a note from the parents and the phones are switched off and deposited with the class teacher," she said.
A spokesperson for Apeejay Education said, "Our schools have been flexible. We allow the usage in special cases where students need to stay connected with parents for safety reasons."
Another major concern is the potential for students to access inappropriate content or engage in cyberbullying. Highlighting this, Jyoti Gupta, principal of KR Mangalam World School in GK-II, said, "Students are not allowed to get phones. If we find anyone carrying a phone, we confiscate it. It is actually a problem of security and safety of children themselves."
The pandemic marked a pivotal shift in how students engage with their education. Tanuja Gupta, a parent, reflected on how her child's dependence on smartphones grew during this period. "My child was in Class V when Covid-19 hit. Suddenly, she had to shift to projects on phones or laptops, which she wasn't used to. Now, the dependence has reached another level. Even if you don't give them phones often, they know how to delete history, so we can't keep a check on them."
Mukesh Soni, another parent, advocated allowing mobile phones in schools starting from Class XI, but with strict policies to ensure responsible use. "There should be clear guidelines to prevent misuse and promote responsible use," he said, adding that phones can keep students connected with their parents, especially those attending coaching sessions after school.
To address these concerns, many schools have adopted policies allowing smartphones under certain conditions. For example, some schools allow students in classes XI and XII to carry phones, but they must be kept switched off during school hours.
According to Sonia Chhabra, principal of Bal Bharati Public School, this approach helps maintain a balance between the need for students to stay connected and the desire to prevent distractions in the classroom. "There should be sessions to tell them about it, not just in schools but also at home," she said, emphasising the importance of educating students on responsible smartphone use.
As Richa Sharma Agnihotri, principal of Sanskriti School, put it, "Technology is here to stay. All we can do is ensure that it is used responsibly. Guidelines must be followed, and parents and teachers should help the students in understanding its use. Counselling is important."
Globally, several Australian states have implemented bans on mobile phones in schools to enhance learning and minimise distractions. Denmark is also planning to enforce a similar ban in schools and after-school clubs. A few years ago, in Sweden, a shift back to more traditional educational methods occurred after concerns were raised by politicians and experts about the impact of the country's hyper-digitalised approach.