Gujarat govt yet to issue advisory on smartphone addiction among schoolchildren

The Gujarat government is yet to issue a proposed advisory for schools to tackle excessive smartphone and social media use among children, more than a year after announcing plans to frame guidelines on the issue.

In January 2025, the then Gujarat education minister had said that an advisory would be prepared to keep children away from social media and regulate smartphone usage. Meetings were subsequently held with officials from the higher, technical and primary education departments, along with psychologists and representatives of the Children’s University, to seek suggestions.

The Children’s Research University later conducted a study on the educational, psychological and social impact of smartphone addiction among children and submitted its report to the government several months ago. However, the advisory has not yet been finalised, officials said.

Currently, students from Classes 1 to 12 are barred from carrying mobile phones to school in the state. College students are allowed to carry phones but cannot use them during classroom sessions. Teachers are also prohibited from using mobile phones while conducting classes.

Despite these restrictions, educators say smartphone dependency has increased significantly among children following the shift to online education during the Covid-19 pandemic. Instances of social media addiction are being reported among students from pre-primary to Class 8 as well.

Officials had earlier indicated that the proposed advisory would lay down guidelines for schools, teachers and parents to monitor children’s screen time, organise awareness programmes and hold meetings with parents to discourage excessive use of smartphones and social media.

Meanwhile, concerns have grown over rising incidents of student altercations and aggressive behaviour in schools. 

Authorities say cases of fights, hostility over minor disputes, and other disciplinary issues have been reported in recent months.

Experts have stressed the need for a structured framework to address the issue, citing the potential psychological and behavioural impact of prolonged exposure to social media and short-form video content on children.