A recent survey commissioned by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian found that 76% of Filipino adults support the ban on cellphones in schools. Conducted by Pulse Asia from June 17 to 24, the survey revealed that only 13% oppose the ban, while 11% remain undecided.
The proposal to prohibit cellphones in educational institutions garnered strong backing across various regions: 80% in the National Capital Region, 89% in Balanced Luzon, 61% in Visayas, and 81% in Mindanao. Support was also high among different socioeconomic classes, with 80% of Classes ABC, 76% of Class D, and 71% of Class E in favor.
The survey sampled 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of +/- 3% at the national level.
Senator Gatchalian highlighted the public’s recognition of the negative impact of mobile phone distractions on student performance. “It is clear that our countrymen support our proposal to ban the use of cellphones in schools, as their use during class hours can harm students’ learning. That’s why we continue to push for this law to prohibit the use of cellphones during class hours,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate basic education committee.
The senator also referenced the Senate panel’s analysis of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which found that 80% of Filipino learners aged 15 were distracted by smartphones during class, either by using them themselves or being affected by other students’ use.
In June, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 2706, aiming to ban the use of mobile phones and gadgets by students and teachers in all public and private schools during class hours. The bill outlines that all basic education students and faculty members are prohibited from using these devices within school premises, which include classrooms, laboratories, and other areas, except for specific learning-related, health-related, and risk management exceptions.