Cell phones prohibited in CBSE schools

Updated on: Monday, August 03, 2009

Ahemedabad: CBSE has issued a circular banning mobile phones in schools.

Students and teachers of CBSE schools will have to learn to live without the handset for as long as they are on campus.

The circular states mobile phones are a major distraction and, at times, even misused. It specifically mentions mobile phones with cameras. 'The cameras, which are a common feature now in most mobile phones, can also be misused.

There have been enough lessons learnt in the past regarding the use of mobile phones and the Board strongly recommends that students should be convinced about not carrying mobile phones to the school,' the circular states. There is however no penalty if a student or teacher is caught with one on campus.

As the board aims to create meaningful learning atmosphere in the classroom with this initiative even the principal, teachers and other staff too has been debarred from using mobile phones on school premises. CBSE helpline member and Calorx Public School principal said, 'Mobile phones in school have more drawbacks than advantages. Even if mobiles are in silent mode students can make use for SMS during class.'

Delhi Public School principal Sunil Trivedi added, 'We had banned mobiles long ago, but we will ensure even more stringent adherence with this circular. We even have emergency helplines for students in our admin office.'

Riya Bhaskaran , a class X student from Maharaja Agrasen Vidyalaya, says, ' Mobiles has turned into a status symbol and students without cell phone are often looked down upon. I welcome this decision as it would usher in discipline in classroom.'

While Priya Raghuram, a class X student of DPS (Bopal) however feels a cell phone is a blessing during an emergency. Aditi Gogia, a parent of class VIII student said, 'It's an excellent decision as mobiles can never be part of student life.'Both students and teachers will not be allowed to keep the phones while on campus.

Cell phones prohibited in CBSE schools

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