FOLLOWING South Korea’s move to prohibit smartphones in classrooms, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian renewed his call for a similar policy in both public and private schools across the Philippines.

Gatchalian, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, refiled his proposed Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act in the 20th Congress after initially filing it in the 19th.

The measure directs the Department of Education to issue guidelines banning the use of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets during class hours.

The prohibition would apply to both teachers and students, from Kindergarten to Senior High School.

However, the bill provides exemptions. Gadget use may be allowed when directly related to learning—such as classroom presentations—when required for health and well-being, or during emergencies and risk management situations like off-campus activities.

“Isinusulong nating ipagbawal ang mga smartphones sa oras ng klase upang hindi maabala ang ating mga mag-aaral. Nais nating paigtingin ang pagtutok ng ating mga mag-aaral sa kanilang aralin,” Gatchalian said, stressing that the measure aims to improve focus and academic performance.

The senator noted that unrestricted gadget use often leads to distractions, weakening students’ ability to concentrate. A clear ban, he said, would help foster a more focused learning environment while still allowing technology use when it directly benefits education or addresses urgent needs.

If passed, the proposal would align the Philippines with global efforts to minimize digital distractions in schools, ensuring that technology supports rather than hinders learning.