Philippine lawmaker filed a bill seeking to ban the use of gadgets in all schools
This file photo shows people using their smartphones on the platform of a BTS train station in Bangkok. (AFP Photo). Sketched by the Pan Pacific Agency.
MANILA, Mar 7, 2020, The Manila Times. A lawmaker filed a bill seeking to ban the use of smartphones and other electronic gadgets in all public and private schools nationwide, The Manila Times reported.
San Jose del Monte City Rep. Rida Robes’ House Bill 5542 seeks to prohibit Grade 10 students and below, or those aged 15 and below, from using electronic gadgets in schools.
She said the bill aimed to address the growing problem on mental health, especially among children. She cited that many studies had shown the connection between unregulated smartphone and electronic gadget use and developing mental health problems.
“Mental health issues have become a major health problem, especially among our young population, and too much exposure and use of social media through our smartphones is one of its main reasons. It is time we confront this issue by imposing a clear and explicit policy in our schools. As a nation and responsible parents, we owe it to our future generation to shield them from unnecessary dangers and hindrance to their full growth. And today’s biggest danger is the growing addiction to mobile gadgets and smartphones,” she said.
Robes added many studies had shown that “children who are allowed to use their phones and gadgets, even during school hours, exhibit psychological, physiological and mental health issues that are ‘interfering with education, diminishing academic performance, promoting cyberbullying and contributing to an increase in teenage anxiety, depression and suicide.’”
The lawmaker believes that the proposed measure will benefit the country’s education system. She noted that in countries that strictly prohibit cellphone use in schools, students had manifested significantly improved academic performance.
“Schools that have banished mobile phones have seen improvements in student performance. In one study, students without phones took more detailed notes, recalled information better and earned test grades a full letter higher than students with phones” Robes said.
The House Committee on the Welfare of Children has created a technical working group that will meet on Monday to discuss the provisions of the bill.
The House panel will consult with representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, Facebook Philippines and children’s rights organizations regarding the bill.
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