Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City pare 13 AUG 205
oy TME ais
‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS , By
First Regular Session S.

HOUSE BILL NO. 3725

Introduced by: REP. RACHEL MARGUERITE “CUTIE” DEL MAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article II, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution recognizes
the vital role of the youth in nation-building and mandates the State to
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being.

The proliferation of computers, smartphones, and electronic gadgets
has yielded significant benefits across all sectors of society. These
technologies have transformed communication, enhanced access to
information, and provided indispensable tools for education and productivity.
Across both developed and developing countries, the majority of young
people own smartphones and are more digitally connected than previous
generations. In the Philippines, over 70% of smartphone users are young
individuals, many of whom spend a minimum of five hours online daily.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the indispensable
role of digital technology, particularly in enabling remote learning.
Nevertheless, the substantial increase in screen time has also triggered
serious health concerns among the youth. Empirical studies have linked
excessive smartphone use to ailments such as thumb arthritis, nerve and
back pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.

A 2015 study by the London School of Economics and Political
Science found that schools banning mobile phone use experienced
significant improvements in student test scores. Likewise, in 2018, France
enacted a nationwide ban on smartphone use in primary and middle schools
to foster academic excellence and healthy social interaction. Medical
professionals similarly advise delaying the introduction of smartphones to
children until at least age sixteen, emphasizing the necessity of maturity
and parental guidance in mobile device usage.


This proposed bill aims to prohibit the use of mobile phones in
primary and middle schools for children aged fifteen (15) years and below.
As a responsible nation and mindful guardians of our youth, we must
protect our children from unnecessary risks and influences that may
adversely affect their holistic development.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is
respectfully urged.

Be,
RACHEL (GUERITE “CUTIE” DEL MAR


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3725

Introduced by: REP. RACHEL MARGUERITE “CUTIE” DEL MAR

AN ACT
BANNING THE USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC
GADGETS BY CHILDREN LESS THAN SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE IN ALL
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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. A national policy must be established to eliminate
academic distractions, protecting the youth towards the unwarranted effects
of gadgets use in the academic setting.

SEC. 3. Definitions. - As used in this Act, the following terms are
defined as follows:

a. Electronic Gadgets refers to any portable electronic device that can
enable its user to make calls, stream video, and/or play virtual games,
send, receive and move data or electronic messaging, through the
internet or wireless connection, such as but not limited to:
smartphones, cellular phones, tablet computers (PC), palmtops,
smartwatches, laptops, video games consoles, virtual reality headsets,
smart glasses, wearable cameras and other similar devices.

b. Primary education refers to the stage of schooling for children ages five
years old up to grade 6.


c. Secondary education refers to the stage of schooling for children from
grade 7 up to Grade 10.

d. School premises refers to any part of the school premises including
playground, emergency exits, assembly area, and other such areas
over which the school has control and supervision.

SEC. 4, Coverage. - This Act shall cover all public and private
primary and secondary educational institutions.

SEC. 5. Exceptions. - The use of electronic gadgets inside school
premises may be allowed only on the following circumstances:

a. In case of emergency, or natural disasters, or in response to a
perceived threat or danger;

b. When necessary for educational instruction and/or in a particular
lesson, subject to limitations and adult supervision; and

c. When the possession of any electronic gadget is necessary for the
health monitoring of a student, as certified by a licensed physician;

SEC. 6. Enforcement. - All educational institutions shall form a
governing body to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 7. Liabilities. - Any educational institution and/or private
individual in violation of this Act shall be held administratively liable.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90)
days after the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education, in
coordination with the Department of Health and representatives from the
Parent-Teacher association of the educational institution, shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be
held unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected
shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulations.

Approved,