Karnataka Government Weighs Mobile Phone Ban in Schools Amid Parental Pressure

Bengaluru, Feb 2026 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said the state government is actively deliberating the possibility of banning mobile phones in schools, noting that the issue has drawn increasing concern from parents and educators alike. Speaking to the media near his residence, Shivakumar indicated that the matter is being examined carefully, keeping in mind both global trends and local realities.

He pointed out that several countries have already introduced restrictions on mobile phone usage in schools, following studies that suggest excessive screen time can negatively affect children’s learning outcomes, attention span, and social behaviour. “Many countries have implemented such measures. The issue is also being discussed at the international level,” Shivakumar said, adding that Karnataka is closely observing these developments before arriving at a final decision.

When asked about the misuse of mobile phones by schoolchildren, the Deputy Chief Minister chose to be cautious in his response. “It is not appropriate to publicly disclose how mobile phones are being misused. That is precisely why discussions are being held on this issue,” he said, underlining the sensitivity of the matter and the need for a balanced approach rather than a hasty announcement.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara echoed similar views, confirming that discussions are underway on imposing restrictions on mobile phones not only in schools but also in colleges. He noted that providing mobile phones to children below the age of 16 has been affecting their education in multiple ways, ranging from reduced academic focus to behavioural challenges. “Many countries have conducted detailed studies and imposed bans on mobile phones. The Chief Minister has also deliberated on this issue. A decision will be taken after carefully studying its pros and cons,” Parameshwara said.

On the political front, Shivakumar brushed aside queries about Social Welfare Minister Mahadevappa raising the issue of having a Dalit Chief Minister. Maintaining a respectful tone, he said, “He is our national leader. I offer him my greetings from here,” avoiding further comment on the matter.

Responding to a recent report by the National Water Quality Standards Authority that stated that lake water in the city is unfit for drinking, Shivakumar clarified the government’s position. He stressed that lakes were never intended to serve as sources of drinking or bathing water. “The government has never said that lake water should be used for drinking or bathing. These lakes exist to recharge groundwater,” he explained. He added that water supplied for consumption is treated at facilities such as the Thippagondanahalli reservoir and distributed by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board.

Shivakumar also launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the implementation of the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. He said the Central government had neither issued clarifications nor released pending wages for previous work, rendering the law ineffective. “Atrocities are being committed against labourers and the poor,” he alleged.

To protest what he described as systematic neglect of rural workers, Shivakumar announced that the Congress is organising a large-scale agitation. “We are organising a major protest against this. A ‘NREGA Bachao Andolan’ has been organised in Chikkaballapur,” he said, signalling intensified political mobilisation in the days ahead.

Overall, Shivakumar’s remarks reflected a government grappling with social, educational, and economic challenges, while signalling that key policy decisions—particularly on mobile phone usage in schools—will be taken only after wide-ranging consultations and careful evaluation.