DepEd Reinforces Ban on Student Use of Mobile Phones in Schools

The Department of Education in the National Capital Region of the Philippines issued a memorandum on March 20, 2024, addressed to various educational stakeholders, including School Division Superintendents, Chiefs of Functional Divisions, Public Elementary and Secondary School Heads, and others concerned. This document serves as a reminder of previous Department Orders, specifically numbers 83 from 2003, 40 from 2012, and 49 from 2022, emphasizing the ban on students using mobile phones and pagers during class hours to uphold child protection policies and professional conduct in educational settings.

The memorandum, which is the 259th issued in 2024, points out the following key directives:

1. A call to action due to the rise in child abuse incidents, some involving verbal abuse by employees and officials. The Department finds it necessary to remind everyone to maintain a positive and non-violent discipline consistent with the child’s rights.
2. A reaffirmation of a zero-tolerance stance against child abuse, exploitation, violence, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse. This is in line with the Department’s existing Child Protection Policy.
3. An advisory for employees and officials to consider legal restrictions on social media use, as stipulated by existing laws and Department Orders, particularly when sharing content, to be mindful of the implications.
4. A reiteration of the ban on the use of mobile phones and pagers by students during class hours to encourage focus on learning and prevent distractions.
5. A directive to School Division Superintendents and School Heads to take the lead in enforcing these policies and to closely monitor compliance in all schools within their jurisdiction.
6. An order for the immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with the memorandum.

The memo is signed by Jocelyn DR Andaya, Director IV, and includes the official Department of Education seal. It stresses the importance of safeguarding the well-being of students and maintaining professional standards in the educational system of the Philippines.