Mobile device ban filed in Senate for basic education classes

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A mobile device ban for basic education classes has just been filed in Senate by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. Gatchalian chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, who have cited studies acknowledging how gadgets could negatively affect student performance.

Senate Bill 2706 seeks to prohibit the use of devices during class hours. Students from kindergarten to senior high school in public and private institutions are subject to this if the bill pushes through.

Gatchalian said that while he recognizes the strengths of these technologies, they can also cause “distractions that could adversely impact learning”. He also notes that learners at the basic education level are more vulnerable to this effect.

“First, it affects performance directly as greater use of a phone while studying is correlated with a greater negative impact on grades or scores. Second, it affects performance indirectly because the learners’ skills and cognitive abilities needed for academic success are also negatively affected by excessive phone use,” Gatchalian added.

In addition, he cited an analysis from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) from the Philippines in 2022.

Results showed that 8 in every 10 Filipino learners aged 15 reported that they get distracted in class using smartphones. Further, 8 in every 10 also said that they get distracted by other students in class using their smartphones as well.

“Further analysis revealed that distraction due to smartphone use during class is correlated with a decrease in performance of about 9.3 points in mathematics, 12.2 points in science, and 15.04 points in reading,” Gatchalian said.

He also noted that access to such devices make the students prone to cyberbullying.

“Hence, the use of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets must be restricted, especially during class hours in order to balance the use of technology and promote learning among learners,” Gatchalian added.

His proposed ban will also affect teachers and faculty members during their designated teaching hours. Exceptions are inclusive of learning-related matters, health and well-being-related issues, and situations relative to managing risks.

The bill proposes to subject all covered public and private education institutions to sanctions for compliance with the given provisions. Gatchalian also said that learners shall likewise be subject to appropriate sanctions provided in the school policies.

What do you guys think about the mobile device ban for basic education classes in the Philippines?