The Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded public schools nationwide that using mobile phones and electronic gadgets during class hours is strictly prohibited. The policy is a key component of DepEd Order (DO) No. 6, series of 2026, also known as the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).
According to an agency memorandum, the strict directive forms part of a broader push to cultivate safe and responsible internet and technology habits inside the classroom.
The policy expressly forbids both learners and school personnel from operating portable electronic devices during instructional hours. The Office of the Secretary specifically clarified that this covers a complete ban on accessing social media, playing online games, and engaging in content creation or vlogging while classes are actively underway.
However, the education department noted that gadget usage remains permissible under certain exceptions, primarily for verified academic or emergency purposes such as Academic Exceptions: Devices can be used if they are directly required to access official educational platforms, navigate digital learning resources, or take part in authorized collaborative online class activities.
The other use case is for Emergency Exceptions: Usage is allowed to maintain vital lines of communication during natural disasters, medical crises, or other urgent safety scenarios.
These clarifications make perfect sense, considering the recent school safety breach incidents.
To ensure strict compliance with the directive, DepEd has instructed all of its regional field offices and public school administrations to immediately ramp up local information campaigns focusing on digital literacy and the responsible use of electronic devices.
Is this a fair directive? Let us know what you think!
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