A GROUP of teachers yesterday said the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets should not be banned but strictly regulated during class hours.
Teachers Dignity Coalition National Chairperson Benjo Basas said smartphones can be of great help to students as they can be utilized for research purposes and for accessing modules and other learning materials even while in school.
Basas said banning the use of smartphones would deprive students of a learning tool, adding the group favors strict regulation of their use during class hours.
“If the use of cellphones or electronic gadgets would be implemented in schools, it should not be a total ban. It should only be regulated, strict regulation,” Basas said.
Basas also pointed out that the Department of Education has existing policies when it comes to the use of mobile phones and gadgets in schools.
She said the DepEd policies should be strictly implemented and reviewed if needed.
The prohibition on the use of cell phones during class hours is mandated by DepEd Order 83 series of 2003, also known as the order “Prohibiting Students of Elementary and Secondary Schools from Using Cellular Phones and Pagers During Class Hours.”
