DepEd orders strict enforcement of cellphone ban during classes

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered the strict enforcement of its policy prohibiting the use of cellphones and other gadgets during instructional hours, while the Cebu City Council is pushing for stronger regulations on cellphone use in classrooms as part of broader school safety measures.

In a memorandum issued on June 30, DepEd directed all regional directors, schools division superintendents, and school heads to strictly implement the ban on the use of cellphones and other electronic devices during class hours.

The memorandum, signed by Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan, Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Atty. Filemon Ray L. Javier, and Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Malcolm S. Garma, cited DepEd Order No. 6, Series of 2026, or the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).

“The use of gadgets is only permitted for educational purposes or in times of emergency, in accordance with DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026 or the Guidelines on Ensuring Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE),” DepEd said.

The agency also instructed schools to intensify information and advocacy campaigns to ensure compliance with the policy and promote the safe and responsible use of the internet and electronic devices.

“This office reiterates the strict implementation of and compliance with existing policies and guidelines concerning the promotion of safe and responsible use of the internet and related devices,” DepEd added.

Under DepEd Order No. 6, Series of 2026, learners and school personnel are prohibited from using portable electronic devices during instructional hours.

Exemptions, however, are granted in meritorious cases, specifically for academic purposes, including accessing educational platforms, digital resources, or participating in authorized collaborative activities and emergency situations like facilitating communication during disasters, medical crises, or other immediate safety concerns.

The department said the prohibition covers activities such as social media use, online gaming, content creation, and vlogging during class hours.

“A whole-of-society approach is necessary in order to properly guide learners. Parents, local government units, police and other law enforcement agencies, other government agencies and instrumentalities, non-government organizations/civil society organizations, and all other stakeholders each have a collective role to play to ensure that the learners develop responsibility and empathy towards others, even outside the classroom,” DepEd said.

Cebu City measures

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Council has called for a comprehensive school security program and stricter regulation of cellphone use in classrooms following the shooting incident in a public high school in Tacloban City last week.

In a privilege speech, Councilor Pastor M. Alcover Jr. urged immediate reforms to ensure schools remain safe spaces for learning.

“We must not wait for tragedy to strike Cebu before we act,” he said, stressing that school safety should go beyond metal detectors and police visibility to include discipline, digital wellness, and emergency preparedness.

Alcover commended Mayor Nestor D. Archival Sr. for directing schools to install metal detectors at their entrances, describing it as “a welcome initiative.”

He noted that while the mayor has ruled out a total cellphone ban, citing parents' preference for allowing their children to carry phones for emergencies, the City Council should still regulate cellphone use inside classrooms.

“Inside the classroom, the teacher’s attention should be focused on teaching, while the students’ attention should be focused on learning. Especially to minors, during classes, to avoid getting distracted,” Alcover explained.

Councilor Alvin Arcilla proposed a total ban on cellphone use during school hours and urged Alcover to draft an ordinance.

Alcover said he is already preparing the proposed measure.

Councilor Paul Labra II reported that consultations held last week focused on mental health concerns and a proposed school security plan that includes increased police visibility and other proactive measures.

He said live shooting drills were also discussed, with a follow-up work meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Labra added that the police would conduct a survey on the ratio of security guards to students, among other school security concerns.

Councilor Philip Zafra emphasized the need to review the deployment of security guards in schools, while Councilor Winston Pepito acknowledged the growing role of technology in education but supported regulating cellphone use to ensure it remains limited to learning.

“We can no longer detach ourselves from technology as being now an important part of learning,” Pepito said.

Councilor Sisinio Andales, however, opposed an outright cellphone ban, arguing that mobile phones should not be viewed as dangerous devices.

“Do not equate cellphone that there is a danger there because that is very important in today’s environment… in case of emergency,” he said, adding that private schools cannot be regulated on the matter and emphasizing the importance of parental guidance.

Councilor Francis Esparis likewise supported regulating cellphone use, saying values formation among students should also be strengthened.

“GMRC… values sa mga bata nangawa na. Mga maestra pud karon, limited movement,” he said, noting that even councilors themselves check their phones during sessions.

Alcover assured his colleagues that he would incorporate their recommendations into the proposed ordinance.

“As we continue to strengthen the physical security of our schools, let us likewise strengthen the policies that uphold discipline, responsible digital citizenship, and the proper use of technology,” he concluded.

Earlier, Mayor Archival emphasized that while an outright cellphone ban is not feasible, Cebu City schools should strengthen campus security through metal detectors, increased police visibility, and mental health interventions.

He also called on psychologists and guidance counselors to help develop long-term programs addressing bullying, exposure to violent content, and student well-being. — /FPL (FREEMAN)