Kerala Child Rights Commission calls for ban on mobile phones, lipstick in schools

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has called for strict restrictions on students' use of mobile phones and the excessive use of luxury grooming products, including lipstick, in schools across the state.

The commission also stated that haircuts and grooming were part of school discipline. The Education Department should ensure strict implementation of these measures, said commission member Dr F Wilson in an order.

The significant order came while considering petitions filed by some students seeking permission to grow their hair, wear skin-fit trousers and accessories such as earrings and rings, and opposing bag inspections and the confiscation of mobile phones in schools.

Students should be allowed to bring mobile phones to school with their parents' knowledge in emergencies, provided the phones remain switched off and are kept safely until the end of the school day, the commission said.

Teachers may inspect students' bags to ensure that they do not contain narcotic substances or other prohibited items, provided the checks do not compromise the children's dignity and self-respect.

Schools should follow uniform standards regarding haircuts and grooming, the commission said. Students should not be removed from classrooms, humiliated, subjected to mental harassment or denied their right to education in the name of disciplinary action.

The commission directed the government to respond to its recommendations.