DepEd Orders Strict Enforcement of Cellphone Ban During Classes

MANILA, Philippines — The use of gadgets during classes is prohibited, the Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded schools. In a memorandum issued on June 30, DepEd directed all regional directors, school division superintendents and heads to strictly implement the ban on the use of cellphones and other devices during instructional hours. “The use of gadgets is only permitted for educational purposes or in times of emergency, in accordance with DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026 or the Guidelines on Ensuring Safe and Motivating Learning Environment,” DepEd said. DepEd asked schools to strengthen information and advocacy campaigns to ensure proper compliance with the policy and promote the safe and responsible use of the internet and gadgets. DepEd Order No. 6, s. 2026, issued last April, prohibits the use of portable electronic devices during instructional hours by both learners and personnel. “Exemptions are granted in meritorious cases, specifically for academic purposes, including accessing educational platforms, digital resources or participating in authorized collaborative activities and emergency situations like facilitating communication during disasters, medical crises or other immediate safety concerns,” it read. DepEd said the prohibition includes the usage of, but not limited to, social media, online games, content creation and vlogging during class hours. “A whole-of-society approach is necessary in order to properly guide learners. Parents, local government units, police and other law enforcement agencies, other government agencies and instrumentalities, non-government organizations/civil society organizations and all other stakeholders each have a collective role to play to ensure that the learners develop responsibility and empathy towards others, even outside the classroom,” DepEd said. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno warned on Wednesday that children found guilty in in-campus and off-campus violent activities may be expelled and denied enrollment in other public schools in Manila. The proposal is in line with the city’s safe schools initiative to prevent further cases of violence among students. “We have this idea of rules that if a student is involved in a rumble inside and outside the school, (he/she) will be expelled from our schools. Expulsion proceedings will be done,” Moreno said. He added that bullies and students found with deadly weapons and firearms will also be subjected to expulsion proceedings. “We are not denying them education. They can still enroll in nearby cities, or maybe they can afford to go to private school, but not here in Manila,” Moreno said. Moreno said this policy is to ensure the safety of the children in schools and public zones. Under the proposed measure, recorded cases will be forwarded to the Manila Department of Social Welfare for coordination with the Schools District Office for appropriate action on the process of expulsion. - Andrew Ronquillo