SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian has renewed his call to prohibit the use of smartphones and other electronic devices during class hours in public and private schools.
This comes as lawmakers discuss stronger measures to protect children, including a possible social media ban for minors, following a series of violent incidents involving juveniles.
Gatchalian reaffirmed his support for Senate Bill (SB) 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 while inside school premises during class hours.
He cited a foiled school attack in Laguna in February, where seven students were allegedly recruited by foreign handlers through the online gaming platform Roblox. The incident, according to Gatchalian, underscored the growing risks posed by online platforms when left unchecked and highlighted the need for stronger safeguards for young learners.
“Aside from ensuring the safety of our students, we are also promoting a smartphone ban in schools to ensure they focus on their studies and are not distracted,” the senator said.
Under SB 627, students will be prohibited from using smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other electronic gadgets during school hours. The measure aims to minimize distractions in classrooms, improve students’ concentration and academic performance, and reduce opportunities for cyberbullying, online harassment and unauthorized recording inside schools.
The proposed legislation provides several exemptions. Under the measure, students may use electronic devices for educational purposes, including classroom presentations, research activities and other teacher-directed learning exercises. The measure likewise permits the use of gadgets by students with specific medical or health conditions requiring assistive technology, as well as during emergencies or situations involving a perceived threat or danger.
