Smartphones and Students: Should India Consider Restrictions for children under 18?
India today stands at a pivotal moment where modernity and heritage must coexist meaningfully, especially in the realm of education. Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe argues that India has always had the cultural capacity to absorb new ideas without losing its identity. As he puts it, “Everything modern is welcome in Indian culture… Indian culture… is ever aging, never old… (nitya nutan chira puraat).” This philosophy captures India’s unique ability to remain rooted while continuously renewing itself – embracing innovation without forgetting ancestral wisdom.
But embracing modernity does not mean surrendering to it. Dr. Sahasrabuddhe stresses that technology must remain a tool, not a trap. “Technology is here to serve human beings and not the other way around. Let us not become slaves of technology,” he warns. The rapid surge of digital devices, especially smartphones, has reshaped learning and behaviour, often blurring the boundary between utility and dependency. His observation that “smartphones… are perhaps trying to take the entire humanity in their grip” is not hyperbole but a reflection of growing global concern: technology, if left unchecked, risks dictating how we live, learn, and think.
This concern becomes sharper in the context of children. The pandemic accelerated digital adoption, but it also exposed young learners to distractions, addiction risks and unsafe online spaces. That is why Dr. Sahasrabuddhe advocates stronger policy intervention. “We suggested… the government should explore the possibility… of making smartphones a licensed gadget till the age of majority.” Under such an approach, parents who genuinely need their children to use smartphones for learning could obtain a licence, while others would rely on simpler devices. This measure, he believes, would protect children while still enabling responsible digital participation.
He also notes that India can learn from global examples. Several Scandinavian countries and Australia have implemented severe restrictions on smartphone use in schools and access of children to social media, grounding their decisions in research about cognitive development and mental health. Instead of assuming helplessness in the face of digital overload, India must study, adapt and innovate solutions that suit its own socio-cultural landscape.
Ultimately, the challenge before India is clear: to welcome modern tools without letting them erode the foundational relationships, values and cultural depth that define Indian education. For a nation with a deep philosophical tradition and a young, tech-savvy population, finding this balance is not only possible, it is essential for shaping future generations.
(This is the third feature in our series, where we speak to thought leaders to understand their views on education and ideas that will help shape India’s future)
To read the first piece discussing the idea of having an ‘IAS for teachers’, click here.
The second piece focused on the importance of research and equity in education and nationbuilder