Currently, the Department of Education prohibits the use of phones and other electronic gadgets during class time, except for academic purposes and emergencies. Students can still use their devices during recess or breaks.
MANILA, Philippines – Instead of an outright ban on mobile phones and other gadgets in schools, local medical experts are recommending age-based regulation.
The Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) and the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) raised the suggeston as the House committees on basic education and health held a joint hearing on six bills seeking to either ban or regulate on-campus gadget usage on Monday, July 20.
Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco, PMHA national executive director, laid out what’s at stake: “Excessive screen time is fueling a youth mental health crisis. More than three hours of social media daily doubles depression and anxiety risks, while more than four hours links to ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) symptoms, sleep loss, and reduced focus.”
According to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment, around 41% of Filipino students said they get distracted using digital devices, which has affected learning of mathematics lessons. (READ: PH still among lowest in math, science, reading in global student assessment)
