Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte said she agrees with a Senate bill seeking to prohibit the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools during class hours.

She, however, said regulations should allow for exceptions, such as when a gadget use becomes necessary, such as for learning, teaching, and emergency reasons.

“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 said on the sidelines of the celebration of the 126th Independence Day here on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian filed a bill seeking to prohibit the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools during class hours.

Duterte said guidelines can be established in such a way that the ban does not hinder a learner’s access to school lessons, or during emergency cases.

Senate Bill No. 2706, or the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, mandates the Department of Education to establish guidelines for the prohibition, which covers learners from kindergarten to senior high school in both public and private institutions, including teachers.

While acknowledging the potential of the devices for learning and teaching, Gatchalian emphasized its negative impact on academic performance, especially among basic education learners, and the prevalence of cyberbullying.

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

Photo credit: Facebook/MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial