A day after a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Gujarat allegedly took her own life over the denial of a mobile phone, the state’s junior minister for primary and secondary education, announced that the government is actively considering a ban on mobile phones for students in all schools across the state.
On Saturday, in Pandesara, the class 8 student was found hanging at home. Initial investigations revealed that the girl had used her mother’s mobile phone earlier in the evening. However, her mother, who needed the phone for her vegetable business, took it back, leading to a disagreement. Police sources suggest that the mother’s decision upset the girl, prompting her to take the drastic step.
On Sunday, minister of state, Praful Pansheriya issued a statement addressing the issue. “The government is considering banning mobile phones in schools after discussions with experts on how it can be strictly implemented. Teachers should also stop using phones in classes and on school campuses. As members of society, we should engage in collective thinking over this issue,” he said.
“This is not the first instance in which a student died by suicide over a mobile phone issue. Leaving home or sulking over a phone is very common. These incidents are a red flag for all of us. Parents should think twice before handing over phones to kids,” Pansheriya added.
Pansheriya represents the Kamrej constituency in the Gujarat assembly.
The Pandesara police have registered a case of accidental death and are conducting further investigations. The family of the deceased girl originally hails from Bihar.
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