Balancing Digital Learning: Should Smartphones Be Banned in Schools?

The debate around smartphones in schools has gained fresh momentum following a Delhi High Court ruling that a complete ban on smartphones for students is “undesirable and unworkable”. This decision aligns with the evolving global discourse on whether restricting mobile phones in schools improves learning outcomes or stifles digital literacy. While concerns around screen addiction, cyberbullying, and distractions in classrooms remain valid, an outright ban may deny students access to essential learning tools, safety, and connectivity.

With 79 education systems worldwide banning smartphone use in schools by the end of 2024 (UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report, 2025), India now faces the challenge of formulating balanced policies that regulate smartphone use while ensuring digital inclusivity and responsible online behaviour.

Delhi HC: Ban is “Undesirable and Unworkable”

The Delhi High Court, in its February 28 ruling, acknowledged both the harmful and beneficial aspects of smartphone usage in schools. While the indiscriminate use of phones can impact student focus, expose them to cyber risks, and encourage excessive social media engagement, the court recognised that smartphones serve crucial purposes, such as:

• Ensuring safety and coordination between parents and children
• Providing access to educational resources, research tools, and digital learning platforms
• Enhancing student engagement through AI-based and gamified learning apps

Instead of a blanket ban, the court proposed regulated use, allowing schools to create structured policies for monitoring smartphone usage while keeping students informed about digital well-being, online etiquette, and responsible internet use.

The Court’s Guidelines on Smartphone Use in Schools:

• Schools must educate students on responsible online behaviour and ethical smartphone use
• Students should be counselled on the risks of excessive screen time, social media anxiety, and cyberbullying
• Where possible, students may deposit smartphones upon entering school and retrieve them at home time
• Classroom use must be prohibited, and camera/recording functions should be disabled in common areas and school vehicles
• The policy should be developed with input from educators, parents, and digital safety experts

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Delhi’s Directorate of Education have been directed to formulate revised guidelines based on the ruling.

The Global Perspective: Countries Banning Smartphones in Schools

According to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report (2025), a growing number of education systems worldwide are implementing strict regulations on smartphone usage in schools. As of 2024, 79 education systems (40%) had introduced bans in some form.

• China: Schools in Zhengzhou require written parental consent to use smartphones for academic purposes.
• France: A “digital break” policy was introduced in lower secondary schools to complement existing phone bans.
• Australia & Spain: Some regions have imposed strict bans, while others allow individual schools to draft their own regulations.
• United States: 20 out of 50 states have enacted restrictions, with some allowing exceptions for students requiring learning accommodations.

Despite these regulations, UNESCO’s report warns against over-restricting smartphone use, arguing that technology should only be banned if it disrupts learning and does not support educational outcomes.

The Learning vs. Distraction Debate

The 2023 GEM Report cited research indicating that smartphone bans in countries like Belgium, Spain, and the UK improved learning outcomes, especially for struggling students. However, it also raised concerns about equity, stating that students must learn to navigate technology rather than be shielded from it entirely.

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India has yet to implement a nationwide smartphone policy for schools, but many institutions have internal restrictions on mobile usage. While the Delhi High Court ruling offers guidance, a broader national discussion is required to strike the right balance between technological innovation and student well-being.

Who Stands to Lose if Smartphones Are Banned?

While privileged students may have alternative access to digital resources at home, a complete ban on smartphones could disproportionately impact lower-income students who depend on mobile devices for online learning, research, and access to educational apps and AI-based tutoring tools. These devices also serve as gateways to government-led digital learning initiatives like DIKSHA and PM eVidya, as well as crucial resources for career counselling, scholarships, and college applications. Eliminating smartphone access in schools could further widen the digital divide, hindering India’s goal of building a digitally literate workforce at a time when technology-driven skills are becoming essential in global job markets.

Why Smartphones Are Essential in Education?

1. Safety and Connectivity

In an unpredictable world, smartphones provide a crucial safety net for students and parents. Real-time communication ensures students can report emergencies, navigate transport routes, and stay connected with family.

2. Digital Learning and AI-Based Education

With the rise of AI-driven education, smartphones serve as gateways to:

• AI-powered tutoring platforms that personalise learning experiences
• Online courses, coding platforms, and gamified STEM learning
• Language-learning apps and digital libraries

3. Encouraging Self-Directed Learning

Apps like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning allow students to acquire real-world skills beyond traditional textbooks, preparing them for 21st-century careers.

4. Bridging the Digital Divide

For students from rural and underserved areas, smartphones may be their only means of accessing quality educational resources, bridging the gap between privileged urban learners and those in resource-limited settings.

5. Future-Ready Skills

The Delhi High Court’s emphasis on digital literacy is crucial—students must be taught not just how to use technology, but how to use it responsibly. Schools should integrate:

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• Workshops on cyber safety and responsible social media use
• AI and coding bootcamps to prepare students for future careers
• Digital etiquette lessons to ensure ethical online behaviour

Aim for Balanced Smartphone Policies

As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, its policies on technology in education will shape how well students adapt to the future. Instead of outright bans, schools must:

✅ Develop structured smartphone use policies in consultation with educators, parents, and digital experts.
✅ Educate students on ethical digital use, cyber safety, and screen-time management.
✅ Allow controlled use of smartphones for educational purposes while restricting recreational distractions.

Hence, India must find a middle ground—A well-balanced policy will ensure that students benefit from digital learning tools while minimising the risks of excessive screen time and online distractions.