Naval: The Department of Education (DepEd) is evaluating the possibility of banning the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices during school recess and break periods. This initiative is part of an effort to manage electronic device usage within school campuses.
According to Philippines News Agency, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara discussed this potential policy during the 2nd Quarter Joint Regional Task Force 8-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF 8-ELCAC) meeting. In response to a query from Caibiran, Biliran Mayor Rhodessa Revita, Angara mentioned that the education agency is contemplating how to assist local governments in implementing this policy in public schools. He highlighted the ongoing debate about whether to extend the cellphone ban to include break times, acknowledging the necessity for students to use phones for communication with parents regarding transportation and pick-up arrangements.
Angara expressed concerns about the practicality of schools collecting phones for safekeeping, citing potential accountability issues for teachers. He noted that teachers might be reluctant to assume responsibility for students' phones due to the risk of loss and associated costs.
DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, already restricts the use of portable electronic devices during instructional hours, with exceptions for academic purposes, emergencies, and safety concerns. The guidelines aim to maintain a safe and motivating learning environment, allowing gadget use when necessary for accessing educational resources or during emergencies.
Further, Angara spoke about ongoing legislative discussions on regulating children's access to social media and the internet, targeting those aged 16 and below. The discussions are informed by similar international measures, such as those in Australia, Great Britain, and Denmark. Angara emphasized the detrimental effects of social media, referencing a recent shooting incident in Tacloban City linked to an online violent group.
He stressed the need for a community-wide approach to mitigate the harmful impacts of social media on children and teenagers, underscoring the role of parental guidance and support from teachers and school counselors in addressing emotional and behavioral issues among adolescents.
