Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte has expressed support for a Senate bill that aims to prohibit the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools during class hours, but with exceptions for learning, teaching and emergency purposes.

The bill, known as Senate Bill No. 2706, or the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, seeks to ban the use of gadgets in schools from kindergarten to senior high school in both public and private institutions, including teachers. 

The bill’s author, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, cited the negative impact of gadgets on academic performance and the prevalence of cyberbullying as reasons for the proposed ban.

On the sidelines of the 126th Independence Day celebration in Davao on June 12, Duterte emphasized the need for exceptions, saying, “We’re okay with the banning of gadgets for personal use, but subject to exceptions. I understand and have read the draft that there are exceptions, particularly if the gadget is used for learning and teaching.” 

She added guidelines can be established to ensure the ban does not hinder a learner’s access to school lessons or during emergency cases.

Gatchalian has acknowledged the potential benefits of gadgets for learning and teaching but emphasized the need to balance these benefits with the negative impacts. 

He cited an analysis from the Programme for International Student Assessment 2022, which indicates that 8 in 10 learners aged 15 reported being distracted by smartphone use during class.

Gatchalian also noted that phone use directly lowers grades and indirectly reduces essential skills and cognitive abilities.

The proposed ban aims to promote a more focused and engaging learning environment, free from distractions. 

If passed, the bill would require the DepEd to establish guidelines for the prohibition.