DepEd reiterates ban on college students’ gadget use throughout class hours

The Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded faculties to strictly implement its coverage prohibiting college students from utilizing devices throughout class hours, apart from instructional functions or emergencies.

In a memorandum dated June 30, the Education Department reiterated the implementation of DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), which seeks to advertise the welfare, security, safety, and safety of learners and college personnel.

The division mentioned the coverage prohibits the usage of transportable digital units by each learners and personnel throughout tutorial hours.

However, exemptions are allowed in meritorious circumstances, notably for tutorial functions, similar to accessing instructional platforms and digital assets or taking part in licensed on-line collaborative actions, in addition to throughout emergencies, together with disasters, medical crises, and different speedy security considerations.

The order additionally prohibits the usage of social media, on-line video games, content material creation, and vlogging throughout class hours.

DepEd mentioned the memorandum was issued to reiterate present insurance policies and strengthen compliance throughout faculties.

It additionally known as on dad and mom, native authorities items, regulation enforcement businesses, authorities businesses, non-government organizations, and different stakeholders to assist promote accountable web and gadget use amongst learners.

“A whole-of-society approach is necessary in order to properly guide learners,” the memorandum learn.

The division additional directed all regional workplaces, faculties division workplaces, and college heads to accentuate data and advocacy campaigns to make sure wider dissemination of the coverage and encourage its strict implementation.

The memorandum was signed by Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan, Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Filemon Ray L. Javier, and Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Malcolm S. Garma. — RSJ, GMA News