Phones Banned In Delhi Schools: Read the advisory on mobile phones being banned in New Delhi private, government schools

The Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued a new advisory banning the use of smartphones in Delhi schools. The advisory will apply to both private and government schools of Delhi. Along with this, the Directorate has also asked the teachers and other school staff to refrain from using mobile phones in classrooms, libraries, school labs and playgrounds.

“Hence, the use of Mobile Phones definitely needs to be regulated in school premises and therefore all stakeholders connected with school education such as students, parents, teachers and the heads of schools need to arrive at a consensus on the minimum use of mobile phones in their school so that a more meaningful learning atmosphere can be maintained in the classroom,” mentions the advisory issued by DoE.
The Directorate of Education has also requested the parents to make sure that their children do not carry mobile phones on the school premises. And in case if students carry mobile phones to school, then the school will have to make adequate arrangements for the safe custody of the device.

Read the complete order here
Mobile phone is one of the most commonly used gadgets in today’s life irrespective of whether they are students, teachers, professionals or others. Hence, it is imperative for us to reflect on this over dependence on technological interventions which can have both positive and negative repercussion as an overuse of smártphone can result in higher levels on depression, anxiety, social isolation, hyper-activity, hyper-tension, sleep loss and poor eyesight. It can cause distractions in the learning process and can negatively impact academic performance, life satisfaction, face-to-face conversation quality, connection and closeness. Further, the incidents of bullying and harassment, transmission of explicit images photographing, recording or uploading inappropriate contents are also likely negatives that are detrimental to the social fabric as well as future of a child.
Hence, the use of Mobile Phones definitely needs to be regulated in school premises and therefore all stakeholders connected with school education such as students, parents, teachers and the heads of schools need to arrive at a consensus on the minimum use of mobile phones in their school so that a more meaningful learning atmosphere can be maintained in the classroom which makes for a better ambience and school environment for the students.
Accordingly, the parents are requested to ensure that their wards do not carry mobile phones in the school premises. In case, students bring mobile phones to the school, then the school authorities shall make adequate and appropriate arrangements for safe custody using lockers/ others system etc. where the mobile phones can be deposited and returned to the students while leaving the schools. Mobile phones should strictly not be allowed in the classrooms. Further, teachers and other staff are refrained from using mobiles during the teaching learning activities i.e. in classrooms, playgrounds, laboratories and Library etc.
The school authorities may provide sufficient dedicated helpline numbers to the parents/students from where the students can receive and make calls, in emergency.
Accordingly, HoS of all Govt. Schools & all the HoS/Manager of Private Unaided /Aided Recognized Schools of Do are hereby advised to disseminate the above information to all the students & parents as well as all the teaching/non-teaching staff working in their schools and take necessary action.