Sen. Gatchalian files bill prohibiting the use of smartphones and gadgets during class hours

June 10, 2024 , 03:39 PM

By Lace Anne Ebuña

(June 10, 2024) – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday has filed Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act (Senate Bill No. 2706) that seeks to prohibit the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools during class hours.

The bill will mandate the Department of Education (DepEd) to establish guidelines on the prohibition of mobile device and electronic gadget use within school premises during class hours. The guidelines shall apply to learners from kindergarten to senior high school in both public and private basic education institutions. Teachers are also prohibited from using smartphones and gadgets during class hours.

Sen. Gatchalian acknowledged that mobile devices and gadgets are tools to enhance learning, However, he noted that they can also cause distractions that could negatively impact academic performance, particularly in basic education learners.

“Aside from decrease in learners’ academic performance, access to such devices seems likely to mediate involvement in cyberbullying that is why the use of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets must be restricted, especially during class hours,” he said.

The senator cited the results of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) showed that 8 in 10 learners aged 15 reported being distracted by smartphone use during class. The same number of learners also reported being distracted by other learners’ smartphone use during class hours.

Moreover, PISA results also reveal that distraction due to smartphone use during class is correlated with a decrease in performance of about 9.3 points in mathematics, 12.2 points in science, and 15.04 points in reading

He also cited the 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report by UNESCO which recommended stricter regulations on mobile phone use in classrooms. The report found that only 13% of countries have laws banning mobile phones in schools, while 14% have related policies or guidelines.

The bill allows for specific exceptions, including learning related-exceptions such as classroom presentation or class-based learning activities, health and well-being-related exceptions, and exceptions related to managing risks such as emergencies, response to perceived threats or dangers, and during field trips or activities outside school premises.

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