Loading
-
Karnataka Bans Mobiles Under 16
Techtree News Staff, Sep 16, 2007 2119 hrs ISTGoing a step further, officials said schools would be instructed to confiscate mobile phones from students, lest they were found carrying the gadgets.
In a move likely to ruffle several young feathers, the Karnataka government has reportedly imposed a ban on the use of mobile phones by children under 16 years of age in schools and colleges.
The government has even banned the sale of mobile handsets to children in this age group, once again citing health concerns behind the move.
The government is of the view that not only are mobile phones a nuisance on campuses but are harmful to the health of children. Besides, their being viewed as status symbols is making more and more children susceptible to making unreasonable demands for them.
Going a step further, officials said schools would be instructed to confiscate mobile phones from students, lest they were found carrying the gadgets.
Reportedly, all medical and engineering colleges in Karnataka have implemented the ban, with a view towards preventing misuse of cell phones during practicals and exams.
All said, the Karnataka state government's decision has come 2 whole years after educational institutions within the state decided to restrict the use of cell phones.
At the time, the decision was sparked-off by New Delhi's ban on cell phones following the MMS clip scandal wherein a sexual act between minor students was sent out to very many mobile phones, and later even posted on an online auction site.
As regards the latest move, the cell phone industry is arguing that reports of mobile phones causing damage to health are largely alarmist in nature, and that there is no health risk involved in the use of cell phones.
But if you ask some of those young and restless people caught in the middle of this debate -- they'd rather prefer their freedom -- even if it means the freedom to take the risk...
The government has even banned the sale of mobile handsets to children in this age group, once again citing health concerns behind the move.
The government is of the view that not only are mobile phones a nuisance on campuses but are harmful to the health of children. Besides, their being viewed as status symbols is making more and more children susceptible to making unreasonable demands for them.
Going a step further, officials said schools would be instructed to confiscate mobile phones from students, lest they were found carrying the gadgets.
Reportedly, all medical and engineering colleges in Karnataka have implemented the ban, with a view towards preventing misuse of cell phones during practicals and exams.
All said, the Karnataka state government's decision has come 2 whole years after educational institutions within the state decided to restrict the use of cell phones.
At the time, the decision was sparked-off by New Delhi's ban on cell phones following the MMS clip scandal wherein a sexual act between minor students was sent out to very many mobile phones, and later even posted on an online auction site.
As regards the latest move, the cell phone industry is arguing that reports of mobile phones causing damage to health are largely alarmist in nature, and that there is no health risk involved in the use of cell phones.
But if you ask some of those young and restless people caught in the middle of this debate -- they'd rather prefer their freedom -- even if it means the freedom to take the risk...
Tag keywords
Discussion Board
(5) Comments
Pranab Salian
,Mumbai, on Oct 16, 2007 05:05 AM
Report abuse
Bawaji
,Bombay, on Sep 17, 2007 10:21 AM
Opinion Poll
- Which desktop web browser do you use?
-
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Chrome
Safari
Opera
Other (specify in comments)
Poll Results View Previous Polls