oi 1
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
]
25 JUL 15 PI :41
S.B. No
SENATE
627
RtCtlvZD BV
Introduced by SENATOR WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE USE OF MOBILE DEVICES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC 
GADGETS DURING CLASS HOURS FROM KINDERGARTEN TO SENIOR 
HIGH SCHOOL IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall “[ejstablish, 
maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of 
education relevant to the needs of the people and society”.1
The use of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets is gradually 
becoming a compelling learning tool used to enhance teaching and learning 
in education. Its usage ensures flexible course delivery and makes it possible 
for learners to access online learning platforms and course resources and 
interact digitally.2 However, technological advancements such as mobile 
phones and other electronic devices can cause distractions that could
1 Section 2(1), Article XIV.
2 Darko-Adjei, N. The Use and Effect of Smartphones in Students’ Learning Activities: 
Evidence from the University of Ghana, Legon. Department of Information Studies, University 
of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2019.


adversely impact learning, especially among learners at the basic education 
level.
Empirical studies from other countries reveal that excessive use of 
mobile devices negatively affects learner performance in two ways3. First, it 
affects performance directly as greater use of a phone while studying is 
correlated with greater negative impact on grades or scores. Second, it affects 
performance indirectly because the learners’ skills and cognitive abilities 
needed for academic success are also negatively affected by excessive phone 
use.
An analysis4 of the Philippine data from the Programme for International 
Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 showed that 8 in every 10 Filipino learners 
aged 15 reported that they got distracted in class by using their 
smartphones, and 8 in every 10 also reported that they got distracted in class 
by other learners who are using smartphones. Further analysis revealed that 
distraction due to smartphone use during class is correlated with a decrease 
in performance of about 9.3 points in mathematics, 12.2 points in science, 
and 15.04 points in reading.
Aside from decrease in learners’ academic performance, access to such 
devices seems likely to mediate involvement in cyberbullying.5 Hence, the use 
of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets must be restricted, especially 
during class hours in order to balance the use of technology and promote 
learning among learners.
3 Sunday, O.J., et. al., The Effects of Smartphone Addiction on Learning: A Meta-Analysis. 
2021, https://doi.Org/10.1016/i.chbr.2021.100114
4 Senate Committee on Basic Education analysis of PISA 2022 data.
5 Englander, E.K., Childhood Access to Technology and Cyberbullying. Journal of Pediatrics 
and Pediatric Medicine, 2019.


Given these negative effects, the 2023 Global Education Monitoring 
Report published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 
Organization recommended stricter regulation against use of mobile phones 
in class6’7. The Report found that only 13% of countries in the world have 
laws partially or fully banning mobile phone use in schools, while 14% of 
countries have policies, strategies, or guidelines for the same purpose.
In support of the need to balance the use of technology and enhance 
learners’ participation and academic performance, the following measures 
are hereby proposed:
1. Prohibiting the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets by 
learners from Kindergarten to Senior High School within the school 
premises during class hours, and by teachers and faculty members 
during their designated teaching hours in classrooms, save for the 
following exceptions: learning-related exceptions, health and well­
being-related exceptions, and exceptions related to managing risks;
2. Mandating the Department of Education to formulate and 
promulgate guidelines on the prohibition of the use of mobile 
devices and electronic gadgets while ensuring that private 
education institutions provide the same guidelines; and
3. Subjecting to sanctions all covered public and private education 
institutions who fail to comply with the provisions of this Act. 
Learners shall likewise be subject to appropriate sanctions 
provided in the school policies.
6 
2023 Global Education Monitoring by UNESCO (2023), 
https: / /unesdoc.unesco.org/ark: /4S223 /pf0000385723 /PDF / 385723eng.pdf.multi
7 World Economic Forum (2023), “UNESCO calls for a ban on phones in schools. Here’s why”, 
https: / /\vfww.weforum.org/agenda/2023/08/online-learning-digital-divide-mobile-phone-
school-education /


With the end goal of providing transformative education through the 
strict use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools, the immediate 
passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


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of I ;' f'
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL 15 PI :41
SENATE
RKEI17DSV;
S.B. No.
627
Introduced by SENATOR WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE USE OF MOBILE DEVICES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC 
GADGETS DURING CLASS HOURS FROM KINDERGARTEN TO SENIOR 
HIGH SCHOOL IN ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Electronic 
Gadget-Free Schools Act.”
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote 
and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being 
of our youth and learners. Towards this end, policies must be crafted to 
safeguard their well-being and enhance their potentials and skills through 
eliminating distractions caused by mobile devices and other electronic 
gadgets and protecting them from the unwarranted effects of excessive online 
and gaming use.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following 
terms shall mean:
a. Mobile Device refers to any form of portable electronic devices


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such as but not limited to smartphones, cellular phones, tablet computers, 
pocket personal computer (PC), palmtops, smartwatches, virtual reality (VR) 
headsets, smart glasses, wearable cameras, and other similar devices which 
can store, send, receive, and move data through the internet or wireless 
connection.
b. Electronic Gadget refers to any portable electronic device that 
can enable its user to make calls, capture photos, stream video, and play 
games such as but not limited to laptops, video games consoles, virtual reality 
headsets, smart glasses, wearable cameras, and other similar contraptions.
Sec. 4. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all public and private 
education institutions offering any level of the basic education curriculum.
Sec. 5. Prohibition on the Use of Mobile Devices and Other Electronic 
Gadgets by Learners. - The Department of Education (DepEd) shall 
promulgate guidelines on the prohibition of the use of mobile devices and 
other electronic gadgets by learners from Kindergarten to Senior High School 
within the school premises during class hours except as provided under 
Section 7 of this Act.
The DepEd shall likewise ensure that private education institutions 
formulate guidelines in accordance with this Act and include the same in 
their respective handbooks and school policies.
School premises shall include classrooms, laboratories, bathrooms, 
gymnasiums, canteens or cafeterias, designated school club rooms, 
swimming pools, teachers’ lounges, and school offices.
Sec. 6. Prohibition on the Use of Mobile Devices and Other Electronic 
Gadgets by Teachers and Faculty Members. - Teachers and faculty members 
are likewise prohibited from using mobile devices and other electronic gadgets 
during their designated teaching hours in classrooms, except as provided 
under Section 7 of this Act.


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Sec. 7. Exceptions. - Mobile devices and other electronic gadgets shall 
not be used within the school premises during class hours save for the 
following exceptions:
a. 
Learning-related exceptions, such as classroom presentations or 
class-based learning activities, requiring the use of such technologies, or for 
learners for whom a reasonable adjustment to a learning program is needed 
due to learning disability or difficulty;
b. 
Health and well-being-related exceptions, such as learners with 
specific health conditions that may require mobile devices and other 
electronic gadgets, as certified by a medical doctor and duly noted by the 
School Head; and
c. 
Exceptions related to managing risks, such as in case of 
emergency, in response to a perceived threat or danger, or in case of field 
trips and other school-related activities outside the school premises.
Sec. 8. Sanctions for Non-compliance. - All covered public and private 
education institutions who fail to comply with the provisions of this Act shall 
be subject to sanctions that may be imposed by the DepEd. Learners shall 
likewise be subject to appropriate sanctions provided in the school policies 
set forth by the DepEd, for violation of Section 5 hereof.
Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in 
consultation with the Department of Health, representatives from the Parent- 
Teacher Associations, relevant government agencies, and other private 
stakeholders shall promulgate the rules and regulations within ninety (90) 
days after the effectivity of this Act.
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions or parts not 
affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, executive orders.


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presidential decrees, administrative orders, rules and regulations, issuances, 
or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
Sec. 12. Effectivity. - Notwithstanding the non-issuance of the IRR, this 
Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,