Aside from imposing a social media ban for minors amidst the rise of violence in the country’s schools, Senate President Win Gatchalian is reiterating his proposal to prohibit the use of smartphones and other electronic devices during class hours in both public and private schools.
Gatchalian’s call follows the suspension of on-site classes at a Batangas public school over a shooting threat.
The veteran legislator recalled a foiled school attack in Laguna last February involving seven students allegedly recruited by foreign handlers through the online game Roblox.
“The Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act (Senate Bill No. 627) prohibits students from Kindergarten to Senior High School from using smartphones and other electronic gadgets in school.”
The seasoned lawmaker made his proposal in the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act (Senate Bill No. 627), which would prohibit students from Kindergarten to Senior High School from using smartphones and other electronic gadgets in school.
The proposed measure, however, provides exemptions for educational purposes, such as classroom presentations and other teacher-directed learning activities. It also allows the use of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets for students with specific health conditions and during emergencies or other 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 concluded.
