Karnataka Plans Law to Restrict Mobile Use for Students Under 16

Karnataka's government is preparing to enact a law that would restrict mobile phone access for students under the age of 16. This legislative effort, a first for India, was initially outlined in the state's budget. While existing regulations prohibit mobile phone use in schools, their enforcement has been inconsistent, with some students using devices outside school premises without a comprehensive oversight system. According to Minister Madhu Bangarappa, the rationale behind this move is the growing concern that, despite their educational utility, these devices frequently expose young people to inappropriate material. He noted that children are susceptible to whatever information they encounter digitally. The government is collaborating with the IT Department, which has established a committee to review social media practices and is currently drafting specific guidelines for the new policy. Additionally, the state is reintroducing moral education, providing free textbooks to all students and allocating dedicated class time for the subject this academic year. The Minister acknowledged the necessity of a nuanced strategy, recognizing that mobile devices are an integral part of contemporary life.