Karnataka bans mobile phones for kids under 16

In an unprecedented move, the Government of Karnataka has decided to ban the use of mobile phones by children under the age of 16 years in schools and colleges.

Announcing the decision in Bangalore, Karnataka’s Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Basavaraj Horatti said the Government had decided ban use of mobile phones by children as they harmed the physical and mental growth of children.

He said the mobile phones were a source of nuisance in the classrooms and instructions would be issued to the school authorities to confiscate them.

Pointing out that all institutions including Government and private, right upto pre university colleges, would be directed to implement the ban on use of mobile phones, Horatti said an appeal will also be to the parents not to purchase mobile phones for their children and prevent them from using it at home.

The teaching community in the State has already made out a case for banning use of mobile phones on campuses. “Mobile phones are a source of nuisance in educational institutions. Teachers have complained that the students played with their phones, listened to music and received calls in classrooms”, Horatti said.

Shopkeepers, handset manufacturers and telecom operators will be told to stop selling mobile phones to children under 16 years of age. Serious action will be initiated against persons found violating the ban, Horatti said.

Karnataka’s Health Minister Ashok, who was present during the press briefing, said “Use of mobile phones by growing children for long durations have adverse impact on brain, nervous system and ear. We have taken this decision on the advice of paediatricians. A circular will be issued in the regard shortly. Parents play an important role in enforcing this ban in the interest of their own children”.

Comprehensive guidelines for the ban will be formulated on consultation with the law department soon. “We will examine whether to authorize the police department to enforce the ban”, Ashok added.
The Government will also launch an extensive campaign through posters and other media to bring about awareness about the harmful effects of mobile phones on children’s health, Ashok said.