Is a total ban on smartphones in classrooms the way forward?

Hamlet’s existential dilemma – “To be or not to be?” – has an echo in Indian schools: Should smartphones be banned in classrooms?with Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhwinder Singh Suhu With the announcement to ban the use of mobile phones by students in all government and private schools from March, and Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah announcing a ban on social media for children under 16 during his budget speech on March 6, concerns over smartphone overuse and its impact on children’s cognitive abilities have once again come to the forefront.The decisions are in line with growing global efforts to curb smartphone use in schools amid growing concerns about shortened attention spans, social media addiction and distraction in the classroom. In the United States, nearly 35 states have enacted laws requiring public schools to restrict or prohibit students from using mobile phones on campus, except for students with disabilities who have individualized education plans. Sweden will implement a mobile phone ban in all schools across the country from August to improve student safety and learning conditions. The new rules will affect children aged seven to 16, with all schools and extra-curricular clubs required to collect mobile phones and hold them until the end of the day.In January 2025, Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, became the first city in China to implement a law banning the use of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools unless there are special needs for teaching.Access restrictionsRather than banning mobile phone use by teenagers, some countries have chosen to restrict social media. In December, Australia became the first country to ban certain social media platforms for under-16s, while Indonesia announced its decision to ban under-16s from accessing “high-risk” platforms from March 28.The French National Assembly supports a similar plan for children under 15 years old. Poland also plans to introduce legislation that would ban children under 15 from accessing social media and put tech companies directly responsible for age verification.There are also growing calls for such measures in India, including in the recent economic survey. After the Kar nataka, the Andhra Pradesh government announced plans to restrict the use of social media by teenagers below the age of 13 within 90 days and would consider extending the ban to those below the age of 16. Goa has also set up a team to look into the format of such a ban and how it could be implemented.Smartphone usage rulesIndia has yet to formulate a national policy or specific law regarding the use of social media apps and smartphones in educational institutions. However, there are growing calls for regulation of smartphone use. The matter was brought to the Delhi High Court last year, but the court refused to order a blanket ban, calling it impractical and undesirable. Instead, the courts issued guidelines for regulating and monitoring smartphone use.Jyoti Arora, principal of Mount Abu School in Delhi, said the cause for concern was obvious. He added that mobile phones can be great tools for learning, communicating and accessing digital resources, but distraction remains a concern. “Almost every day, our offices are filled with parents complaining that games, social media and constant notifications distract their children from learning. Many of them started complaining of eye strain and poor posture,” Arora said.

academic performanceShe linked excessive smartphone use to declining academic performance among students. “We also found that when students are too immersed in screens, their academic performance declines. A bigger concern is exposure to online risks, such as cyberbullying and access to inappropriate content. “2023 UNESCO Report* shows that in 14 countries, the mere proximity of mobile devices distracts students and negatively impacts learning. Citing research, it states that “banning cell phone use in schools can improve academic performance, especially for low-achieving students.”Find a solutionAmeeta Mulla Wattal, chairperson of schools and scholarship programs at DLF Foundation, said the word “ban” never really helped anyone, especially in the school system. “Anything that is oppressive is wrong, especially for teenagers. The learning ecosystem has become so integrated with technology that even in classrooms, platforms like Whats-App, Instagram and gaming are accessible. Students are very good at finding solutions,” she said. The Covid-19 pandemic has deepened this integration by moving education systems around the world online, with everything from classes to parent-teacher conferences being conducted remotely.Wattal, who is also the former long-term principal of Springdales School in Derry, said the real issue was not the devices but the responsible use of digital devices and focus on teaching. “Teachers use many WhatsApp groups to share resources, assignments and facilitate discussions. The parent community is also on WhatsApp groups to receive notifications and updates from the school. Many students arrive by alternative means of transport or receive private tutoring after school. Therefore, mobile phones are crucial for communication. ” she added.A holistic approach is neededVatal stressed that finding a middle path is the need of the hour and that the process requires dialogue between teachers, parents and students.A team of researchers from the University of Birmingham reached similar conclusions in a February 2025 study** of 1,227 students in the UK. The study concluded that isolated bans are insufficient to address negative impacts and called for a more comprehensive approach to reducing mobile phone use among students.Some schools in India use lockers or Ziploc bags to keep students away from their phones during class, while others require formal requests to be submitted in exceptional circumstances. Arora said her school does not allow students to bring cellphones unless parents specifically request it in writing, in case students need to use their phones after school.Students store their phones in the morning and take them away when they leave. However, it is unlikely that students will be allowed to use smartphones during school hours anytime soon. “We need more talks, discussions and digital ethics workshops before this is allowed. We are doing our part by inviting experts to discuss cyber threats and even the need for digital detox,” she added.The Delhi High Court ruling in March also said schools must educate students on responsible online behaviour, digital etiquette and ethical use of smartphones. The court added that students should be informed that excessive screen time and social media engagement may lead to anxiety, shortened attention spans and cyberbullying.Arora stresses, however, that school is only one part of the equation. “Lessons on responsible mobile phone use and digital ethics must also be taught at home, with parents and teachers taking equal responsibility.”*UNESCO study: Educational technology: https://www.unesco.org/gem-report/en/publication/ technology**UK Studies: School bans alone are not enough to address the negative impacts of phone and social media use: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/school-bans-alone-notenough-to-tackle-male-impactsPhone and social media use