Ban Cell Phones in Schools? 76% of Filipinos Support It – Senator

FILE PHOTO: Two pedestrians use cellphones while crossing a street in Taguig City. A ban on cellphones in schools has won the support of an “overwhelming majority of Filipinos,” at least according to a poll commissioned by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. INQUIRER/RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — A ban on cellphones in schools has won the support of an “overwhelming majority of Filipinos,” at least according to a poll commissioned by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

The senator said in his statement that eight out of ten Filipino adults (76 percent) support the proposal to ban cellphones in schools, citing the results of a Pulse Asia poll conducted June 17-24 among adult respondents nationwide.

“A large majority of Filipinos from all socioeconomic classes also support banning cellphones in schools, with Class ABC having the strongest support (80 percent). Seventy-six percent of respondents from Class D support banning cellphones in schools, while 71 percent from Class E support the proposal,” Gatchalian said Tuesday.

READ: Gatchalian Considers Cell Phone Ban in Classroom: Youths Are Addicted to Cell Phones

The survey also found that 80 percent of respondents from Metro Manila agree with banning cellphones in schools, as do 79 percent from Balance Luzon, 61 percent from Visayas and 81 percent from Mindanao.

“Malinaw supports our cell phones so you can use cell phones on cell phones but you can’t use them in the classrooms which can be used in listening mode. You can use cell phones to use cell phones in the classrooms,” Gatchalian said.

(It is clear that our compatriots support our efforts to ban the use of mobile phones in schools, especially during school hours, which can negatively affect their learning. Therefore, we will continue to press for the introduction of a measure that will ban the use of mobile phones during school hours.)

READ: Gatchalian files bill to ban use of mobile devices during classes

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, had earlier filed a bill banning elementary school students and teachers from using mobile devices during classes.

In his Senate Bill 2706, Gatchalian cited the negative effects of excessive cellphone use on students’ academic performance, adding that access to such devices likely “mediates participation in cyberbullying.”

Specifically, he proposed the following solution:

• Ban on the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets by students from kindergarten to high school on school premises during class hours, as well as by teachers and members of the teaching staff during designated class hours
• Directing the Department of Education to formulate and promulgate guidelines for banning the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets, while ensuring that private educational institutions provide the same guidelines

Senate Bill 2706, however, provides that exceptions to this rule include tools, gadgets or devices needed for learning, such as class presentations, the health and well-being of students with special health needs, and risk management, such as in emergency situations in response to a perceived threat or danger.