Philippines Public Schools Prohibit Gadget Use During Class Hours

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reiterated that the use of electronic gadgets during class hours is prohibited in all public schools to ensure learners’ online safety amid a series of school-related violence. “This office reiterates the strict implementation of and compliance with existing policies and guidelines concerning the promotion of safe and responsible use of the internet and other related devices,” the agency said in a memorandum. Under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), learners and school personnel are prohibited from using portable electronic devices during instructional hours. The scope of prohibition includes the usage of social media platforms, online games, content creation, and vlogging during class hours. Meanwhile, the policy exempts the use of gadgets for educational purposes, such as accessing educational platforms and digital resources, participating in online activities, and in emergencies, such as disasters, medical crises, and other safety concerns. The agency also called upon parents, local government units (LGUs), law enforcement agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders to guide learners in developing empathy towards others. “A whole-of-society approach is necessary in order to properly guide learners,” DepEd said. “All field offices and schools are hereby directed to ensure the widest dissemination of these policies to all stakeholders.” Senate President Sherwin T. Gatchalian earlier renewed his proposal to ban the use of smartphones and other electronic devices in both public and private schools, as well as to impose a social media ban for minors, following the rise in school incidents. Under Senate Bill 627, or the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, Kindergarten to Senior High School students are not allowed to use their smartphones during school hours. Authorities have reported numerous school-related threats and violence since June 16, including a shooting attack in Tacloban City that killed three students. 10,000 NEW SCHOOL COUNSELOR POSTS As part of its initiative to safeguard students’ mental health and well-being, DepEd aims to deploy 10,000 new school counselor positions for School Year 2026-2027. “By rolling out this dedicated workforce of counselors and counselor associates, we are taking a concrete step… to transform our schools into centers of genuine care, protection, and well-being,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in a news release on Wednesday. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) approved the positions for Schools Division Counselor (SDC), School Counselor I–IV, and School Counselor Associate (SCA) I–V, following criticisms raised during a House committee hearing on Monday regarding delays in the review and approval of SCAs. According to DepEd Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development Willie Cabral, the agency has submitted its proposed Qualification Standards for SCAs since November 2025. However, no SCAs have been hired because plantilla positions remain contingent on the CSC’s approval of the Qualification Standards. The Education chief noted that the commission’s approval for the posts under Republic Act (RA) No. 12080, or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, helps push mental health and psychosocial support services across public schools. “The approval of the Qualification Standards is a major milestone in the implementation of RA 12080,” Mr. Angara said. “It establishes the professional standards for our school counseling workforce and brings us closer to ensuring that learners across the country have greater access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services in our schools,” he added. DepEd said it is preparing implementation guidelines to begin recruitment, appointment, and deployment of qualified SCAs in accordance with civil service laws, rules, and regulations. — Almira Louise S. Martinez