Himachal bans mobile phone use in government schools for both students and teachers

Shimla, Sept 19

The Directorate of School Education, Himachal Pradesh, has issued a strict directive prohibiting the use of mobile phones during school hours across all government schools in the state. The order, dated September 2025, applies to both students and teachers.

Citing mobile phones as a “prime concern” and a “major reason of distraction,” the notification states that the devices severely disrupt the learning process while also hampering academic and non-academic performance of students. It further highlights the social, psychological, and physical hazards linked to mobile phone use, including stress, anxiety, social isolation, eye strain, and sedentary lifestyle.

According to the directive, students are barred from carrying mobile phones to school altogether. Teachers, meanwhile, are instructed not to use their devices inside classrooms. Instead, they must store phones in the staff room or in secure areas under CCTV surveillance. All schools have been asked to prominently display these restrictions on notice boards.

To ensure communication in case of emergencies, the order directs schools to maintain a functional landline telephone, with the number shared with parents and guardians.

Deputy Directors of Education have been tasked with circulating the directive to all school heads under their jurisdiction for immediate compliance. School authorities are also responsible for regular monitoring and initiating disciplinary action against violators.

The department said the move aims to create a phone-free environment in schools, fostering better teacher-student interaction and ensuring a productive, distraction-free learning atmosphere.