Senate President Win Gatchalian has renewed his call to ban the use of smartphones and other electronic gadgets during class hours in public and private schools, citing concerns over student safety and classroom distractions.
Gatchalian made the appeal as he also pushed for a social media ban for minors amid rising concerns over violence in schools.
His call came after on-site classes were suspended at a public school in Batangas due to a shooting threat. He also recalled a foiled school attack in Laguna last February, which allegedly involved seven students recruited by foreign handlers through the online game Roblox.
Gatchalian’s proposal is contained in Senate Bill No. 627, or the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, which seeks to prohibit students from Kindergarten to Senior High School from using smartphones and other electronic gadgets inside schools.
The proposed measure, however, provides exemptions for educational purposes, including classroom presentations and teacher-directed learning activities.
It also allows the use of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets for students with specific health conditions, as well as during emergencies or situations involving a perceived threat or danger.
“Maliban sa pagtiyak sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral, isinusulong din natin ang smartphone ban sa mga paaralan upang matiyak nating nakatutok sila sa pag-aaral at hindi sila naaabala,” Gatchalian said.