DepEd issues order prohibiting mobile device use for teachers and learners during class
DepEd issues order prohibiting mobile device use for teachers and learners during class
The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially enforced a strict ban on the use of cellphones and portable electronic devices during instructional hours for both teaching and non-teaching personnel and learners.
The mandate, issued under DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026, also known as the Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE), aims to eliminate digital distractions and uphold the integrity of the learning process. Under this order, schools and Community Learning Centers (CLCs) are required to ensure that the classroom remains a dedicated space for engagement, free from the interruptions of personal technology.
While the prohibition is broad, the policy provides critical exceptions for meritorious cases, including the use of devices for specific academic purposes—such as accessing digital resources or collaborative platforms—and during emergency situations involving health, safety, or disasters.
To ensure strict compliance, the Department warned that any violations will be met with administrative sanctions and penalties as outlined in the standardized disciplinary framework.
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| DepEd issues order prohibiting mobile device use for teachers and learners during class |
Read excerpt from the DepEd Order
Schools and CLCs shall prohibit the use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices by both learners and personnel during instructional periods. This measure is intended to minimize distractions and maintain the integrity of the learning environment.
Exceptions may be granted in meritorious cases, specifically for:
i. Academic purposes: Accessing educational platforms, digital resources, or participating in authorized online collaborative activities.
ii. Emergency situations: Facilitating communication during disasters, medical crises, or other immediate safety concerns.
To ensure accountability, any violations of this policy by teaching or non-teaching personnel, as well as learners, shall be subject to administrative sanctions and penalties as outlined in the standardized disciplinary framework (see Annex G).
ANNEX G: ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES FOR USING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS
A. For Learners the sanctions subject to the minimum requirement of due process are as follows:
1. 1st Offense
a. Temporary confiscation of the portable electronic devices and return at the end of the subject period (specific designated time allocated for a particular subject)
b. Documentation using the Confiscation Slip (see Annex J)
2. 2nd Offense
a. Temporary confiscation of the portable electronic devices and return at the end of the class hours (total time allocated for instruction within a school day)
b. Documentation using the Confiscation Slip (see Annex J)
c. Parental notice, through formal communication, to inform the parent/guardian of the incident
3. 3rd and Succeeding Offense
a. Confiscation of portable electronic devices that will be deposited at the Office of the School Head/Administrator.
b. Documentation using Confiscation Slip and Call Slip (see Annex Jand K)
c. Return of the portable electronic devices until the parent/guardian retrieves the same
d. Imposition of proper Disciplinary action
ANNEX G: ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES FOR USING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES DURING INSTRUCTIONAL HOURS
A. For Learners the sanctions subject to the minimum requirement of due process are as follows:
1. 1st Offense
a. Temporary confiscation of the portable electronic devices and return at the end of the subject period (specific designated time allocated for a particular subject)
b. Documentation using the Confiscation Slip (see Annex J)
2. 2nd Offense
a. Temporary confiscation of the portable electronic devices and return at the end of the class hours (total time allocated for instruction within a school day)
b. Documentation using the Confiscation Slip (see Annex J)
c. Parental notice, through formal communication, to inform the parent/guardian of the incident
3. 3rd and Succeeding Offense
a. Confiscation of portable electronic devices that will be deposited at the Office of the School Head/Administrator.
b. Documentation using Confiscation Slip and Call Slip (see Annex Jand K)
c. Return of the portable electronic devices until the parent/guardian retrieves the same
d. Imposition of proper Disciplinary action
B. For Teaching, Teaching-related, and Non-Teaching Personnel
Violations shall be a ground for administrative disciplinary action, which the disciplining authorities can initiate. Schools and CLCs shall be responsible for the following:
1. Inform the learners and parents, guardians of this Order at the beginning of every school year through orientation, advisories, and conferences; and
2. Implement suitable technical and organizational measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of the learners' Personally Identifiable Information (PII); prevent unauthorized use, access, or disclosure; and ensure that the Pll is used solely for the stated purpose and not disclosed to any party or public forum (e.g., social media) without the explicit consent of the learner and their parent/legal guardian, unless such disclosure is legally mandated or essential for the school to perform its essential functions.
Further, schools and CLCs shall encourage the parents/legal guardians to manage the learner's responsible use of portable electronic devices and to support the implementation of this Order.
Violations shall be a ground for administrative disciplinary action, which the disciplining authorities can initiate. Schools and CLCs shall be responsible for the following:
1. Inform the learners and parents, guardians of this Order at the beginning of every school year through orientation, advisories, and conferences; and
2. Implement suitable technical and organizational measures to ensure the security and confidentiality of the learners' Personally Identifiable Information (PII); prevent unauthorized use, access, or disclosure; and ensure that the Pll is used solely for the stated purpose and not disclosed to any party or public forum (e.g., social media) without the explicit consent of the learner and their parent/legal guardian, unless such disclosure is legally mandated or essential for the school to perform its essential functions.
Further, schools and CLCs shall encourage the parents/legal guardians to manage the learner's responsible use of portable electronic devices and to support the implementation of this Order.
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