DepEd reiterates ban on students' gadget use during class hours

The Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded schools to strictly enforce its policy prohibiting students from using gadgets during class hours, except for educational purposes or emergencies.

In a memorandum dated June 30, the Education Department reiterated the implementation of DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), which seeks to promote the welfare, safety, security, and protection of learners and school personnel.

The department said the policy prohibits the use of portable electronic devices by both learners and personnel during instructional hours.

However, exemptions are allowed in meritorious cases, particularly for academic purposes, such as accessing educational platforms and digital resources or participating in authorized online collaborative activities, as well as during emergencies, including disasters, medical crises, and other immediate safety concerns.

The order also prohibits the use of social media, online games, content creation, and vlogging during class hours.

DepEd said the memorandum was issued to reiterate existing policies and strengthen compliance across schools.

It also called on parents, local government units, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders to help promote responsible internet and gadget use among learners.

“A whole-of-society approach is necessary in order to properly guide learners,” the memorandum read.

The department further directed all regional offices, schools division offices, and school heads to intensify information and advocacy campaigns to ensure wider dissemination of the policy and encourage its strict implementation.

The memorandum was signed by Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan, Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Filemon Ray L. Javier, and Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Malcolm S. Garma. — RSJ, GMA News