The Department of Education (DepEd) recently reiterated DepEd Order (DO) No. 83, s. 2003, which strictly prohibits students from using mobile phones and pagers during class hours in both elementary and high school.
DepEd said the Policy seeks to minimize classroom distractions, promote discipline, and help learners maintain focus during lessons.
In a press release, the Department also emphasized that the Order supports the creation of a safe and conducive learning environment.
Aside from DO 83, DepEd’s predecessor, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), previously issued similar directives banning the use of gadgets during class hours, including DECS Order No. 70, s. 1999 and DECS Order No. 26, s. 2000.
However, in 2025, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara provided a leeway for the ‘limited’ use of mobile phones.
Angara underscored that cellphones may be allowed in class hours, provided they are used for educational purposes and supervised by teachers.
Meanwhile, DepEd enforces a separate policy for its personnel through DO No. 17, s. 2019, as amended by DO No. 014, s.2025, which restricts gadget use among employees to work-related activities only.
On the other hand, Senate Bill No. 2706, also known as the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act, is currently under deliberation in Congress and aims to institutionalize regulations on gadget use in classrooms to reduce distractions.
I agree with DepEd’s stance. Cellphones should only be allowed when they are essential for specific learning activities or emergencies.