Schools can restrict mobile phones, long hair, says Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights

The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has ruled that restrictions on long hair and mobile phone use, along with checks of students’ bags, fall under school discipline.

In an order issued on Friday, commission member Wilson F. said that students should not use mobile phones during school hours. Phones brought with parents’ knowledge for specific needs must be switched off and safely stored by school authorities until the end of the school day. Any use of mobile phones during school hours should be treated as a serious disciplinary violation.

The commission said students must follow school rules on hair grooming and called for uniform guidelines. Teachers may check students’ bags to prevent them from carrying harmful items, including intoxicating substances, but must respect their dignity.

Teachers must enforce discipline without humiliating students, mentally harassing them, expelling them from class or denying them their right to education, the order said.

The commission expressed concern that government schools do not obtain written undertakings on discipline from parents and students, as many CBSE, ICSE and unaided schools do at the time of admission.

It said teachers have a responsibility to ensure that students follow school rules and grow into responsible citizens who respect the country’s laws and customs.

The order by Dr. Wilson followed a petition by a group of school students seeking, among other things, permission for boys to grow their hair, use mobile phones on campus and prevent teachers from checking their bags.

The order also calls for awareness programmes on the safe use of cosmetics and personal hygiene, besides adequate clean toilets and water facilities in schools.

Teachers have welcomed the order. M. Jouhar, Principal of Peace Public School, Kottakkal, called it historic, saying it could help address teachers’ concerns about intervening when they notice indiscipline or behaviour that could put students at risk.

Teachers often face a dilemma over whether to correct students or hold back for fear of complaints, he said. The order, he hoped, would help teachers guide and protect students without fear of repercussions.

Discipline and child rights should go hand in hand, Mr. Jouhar said, adding that teachers must be able to intervene responsibly to prevent problems from escalating.