To lessen gadget addiction and its ill-effects among leaners, the Department of Education-Cordillera Administ rative Region (DepEd-CAR) prohibits the use of Mobile Devices and Wearable Technologies within the school premises.
In her regional memo no. 27, series 2018, Regional Director May B. Eclar reiterated strict prohibition the use of mobile devices like smartphones among learners within campus areas for them to be focused on their classes.
Accordingly, the use of cellular phones and other mobile devices specifically text messaging, gaming, watching, chatting through social network messaging applications have diverted the attention of the students from their studies and caused disturbances to classes.
Also, said gadgets are being used by students as instruments for cheating during examinations since most of their notes are stored in their cellular phones.
Moreover, Eclar stressed that the use of smartphones and other mobile devices have proliferated the access and sharing of lewd and obscene pictures and videos particularly those capable of multi-media services.
“Use of cellphones within the school premises have various negative effects not only to the students but teachers as well. Using of cellular phones inside the classroom doesn’t only affect the academic performance of the students but also their behaviour inside and outside the classroom,” she explained.
Meanwhile, school officials and parents through PTA are mandated to discuss the said order during the PTA General Assembly, Homeroom PTA Meeting, and to be included in the Student Code of Conduct, School Manuals, Child Protection Policy or Anti-Bullying Policies.
Said order, however, is based on DECS Order No. 20, series 1999 and 26, series 2000, and DepEd order No. 83, series 2003.
By: Clarita E. Eddio
