Following South Korea’s looming ban on smartphones in classrooms, Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking a similar prohibition for the country’s public and private schools.

Gatchalian originally filed the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act during the 19th Congress and refiled the proposed measure upon the opening of the 20th Congress. Under the proposed measure, the Department of Education shall promulgate guidelines on prohibiting the use of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets during class hours. The ban shall apply to teachers and learners from Kindergarten to Senior High School.

The bill, however, provides for exceptions: those related to learning, such as classroom presentations; health and well-being, such as specific conditions that may require electronic gadgets; and the management of risks, such as activities outside schools or emergencies.

“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,” said Gatchalian, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.