Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill proposing a ban on mobile phones and other electronic gadgets in classrooms during school hours. 

The proposed legislation, named the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, aims to curb distractions and improve student focus and academic performance.

The bill cites concerns over declining test scores linked to smartphone use in schools. 

Gatchalian noted that phone use affects academic performance directly by linking to lower grades and indirectly by reducing essential skills and cognitive abilities. 

He emphasized the urgent need to tackle the increasing issue of gadget addiction among students, which is impairing their learning and information retention.

“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,” Gatchalian said.

The proposed ban would apply to all public and private schools across the Philippines. 

Teachers would be allowed to use gadgets for educational purposes, but students would be prohibited from bringing phones and other devices to class.

Clashing perspectives

The move is part of a global debate on managing technology in classrooms, with some pushing for restrictions and others supporting responsible use.

UNESCO has recommended that countries implement stricter regulations on gadget use in schools. 

Critics argue that a blanket ban on gadgets may be too restrictive and could hinder the use of technology for educational purposes. 

However, supporters of the bill point to studies showing that limiting gadget use in classrooms can lead to improved academic performance.

Gatchalian pointed to a recent study showing 8 out of 10 15-year-olds say they get distracted by phones in class. It also found that just as many students were distracted by other students’ phones in class.

In Norway, a similar ban led to notable improvements in student well-being and grades. A study by Sara Abrahamsson at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that the ban reduced girls’ need for psychological help by nearly 60% and boosted their GPAs. 

Additionally, girls experienced a 46% drop in bullying, and boys saw a 43% decrease.

If passed, the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act would require schools to implement strict policies on gadget use and impose penalties on students who violate the ban. 

The bill is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Education, Arts, and Culture.