Students and Teachers Barred from Using Mobiles in Himachal Government Schools; Aims for Distraction-Free Classrooms with Mobile Phone Ban
In a decisive move to improve the quality of education and curb distractions in classrooms, the Directorate of School Education, Himachal Pradesh, has issued a directive banning the use of mobile phones during school hours in all government schools across the state. The new regulation, dated September 2025, applies to both students and teaching staff.
Labeling mobile phones as a “prime concern” and a “major source of distraction,” the order highlights how excessive phone use disrupts the learning process and negatively impacts students’ academic and non-academic performance. It also warns of the social, psychological, and physical effects of mobile addiction, including stress, anxiety, eye strain, social isolation, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Under the new guidelines:
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Students are strictly prohibited from carrying mobile phones to school.
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Teachers are barred from using phones inside classrooms and are instructed to store their devices in staff rooms or designated areas under CCTV surveillance.
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Each school must maintain a functional landline telephone to ensure communication during emergencies, with the number shared with parents and guardians.
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Schools are required to display the mobile phone ban prominently on notice boards.
Deputy Directors of Education have been directed to circulate the order to all school heads for immediate implementation. School administrations are responsible for ensuring compliance through regular monitoring and initiating disciplinary actions against any violations.
The Department emphasized that the initiative aims to foster a distraction-free learning environment, encourage meaningful teacher-student interaction, and uphold classroom discipline.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
