Rajasthan Education Department Implements Strict SOPs to Regulate Children's Mobile Phone Use
In a significant move to address growing concerns over cyber threats, the Rajasthan state education department issued comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Wednesday, specifically targeting children under the age of 16. The initiative aims to regulate mobile phone usage and shield young students from cybercrime and cyberbullying, reflecting a proactive approach to digital safety in educational settings.
Key Provisions of the New Guidelines
The education directorate has formally communicated these SOPs to all district education officers, mandating strict compliance across schools. A central provision includes a ban on mobile phones within school premises, with exceptions permitted only for safety-related emergencies. Students are required to deposit their devices at school, ensuring a distraction-free learning environment.
Parents are actively encouraged to support these measures by adhering to device placement guidelines, such as keeping mobile phones in common areas like living rooms, and restricting their children to approved applications. "Considering the increasing use of mobile phones, online gaming, and social media sites among children, the department issued SOPs to educate them about the adverse effects of cybercrime and provide cyber awareness," stated the official order released on Wednesday.
Specific Rules for Schools and Online Activities
The SOPs outline detailed regulations to prevent unauthorized activities:
- Strict prohibition of phone use in classrooms, school vehicles, and common areas like playgrounds to curb unauthorized recording and cyberbullying incidents.
- Emergency communications must be handled through school-provided channels or with explicit permission from the school head.
- Schools are instructed to implement clear, non-harsh penalties, such as temporary confiscation for the school day, rather than imposing permanent bans.
For online gaming, the guidelines emphasize parental oversight:
- All in-game purchases are prohibited without explicit parental consent.
- OTP-based verification is recommended to prevent accidental spending by minors.
Privacy and Safety Measures for Children
To protect children's anonymity and privacy, the SOPs advise using avatars or screen names instead of real identities and hiding personal details. Children are strongly cautioned against communicating with strangers via webcams or private messaging to avoid risks like grooming or bullying. Additionally, setting break reminders is encouraged to prevent addiction, aligning with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which mandates time-limit alerts for minors on gaming platforms.
Regarding social networking sites, the SOPs reference the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, requiring platforms to obtain verifiable parental consent before processing any data for users under 18. This ensures enhanced data security and parental control over children's online interactions.
Overall, these SOPs represent a holistic effort by the Rajasthan education department to foster a safer digital environment for children, combining regulatory measures with educational initiatives to combat cyber threats effectively.
