Senado naglalayong ipagbawal ang paggamit ng cellphone sa mag-aaral

Sa kasalukuyan, may isang panukala sa Senado na naglalayong ipagbawal ang paggamit ng cellphone ng mga mag-aaral mula kinder hanggang senior high school sa loob ng eskuwelahan tuwing oras ng klase. Ang tanong ay: payag ka ba sa ganitong hakbang?

Ang pagbabawal sa paggamit ng cellphone sa loob ng eskuwelahan tuwing oras ng klase ay isang usapin na nagdudulot ng iba't ibang reaksyon mula sa iba't ibang sektor ng lipunan. May ilan ang sumasang-ayon sa panukalang ito, na naniniwala na makakatulong ito sa pagpapalakas ng disiplina sa mga mag-aaral at magtuturo ng wastong paggamit ng teknolohiya. Sa kabilang banda, may mga tumututol sa panukalang ito, na naniniwala na ang cellphone ay isang mahalagang kasangkapan sa pag-aaral at komunikasyon na hindi dapat ipagkait sa mga mag-aaral.

Sa aking palagay, mahalaga ang pagtutok sa edukasyon ngunit hindi rin dapat mawalan ng boses ang mga mag-aaral sa mga usaping nakakaapekto sa kanilang araw-araw na buhay sa paaralan. Dapat balansehin ang pagbabawal at pagbibigay kalayaan sa mga mag-aaral upang magamit nila ang teknolohiya sa tamang paraan.

Sa huli, ang pagtutok sa edukasyon at pag-unlad ng mga mag-aaral ay mahalaga. Subalit, dapat ding bigyan ng importansya ang kanilang karapatan at kalayaan sa tamang paggamit ng mga teknolohikal na kasangkapan. Kaya't sa ganitong usapin, ang pagtutulungan at maayos na talakayan ay mahalaga upang makamit ang layuning ito.

Nawa'y ang mga hakbang na tatahakin ng ating pamahalaan ay makatutulong sa pagpapalakas ng edukasyon at pagpapataas ng antas ng kaalaman ng mga mag-aaral sa bansa.

"Nagpanukala si Senador Win Gatchalian ng isang panukalang batas na layuning ipagbawal ang paggamit ng mga mobile device at electronic gadget sa panahon ng klase.

Sa ilalim ng Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act o

Senate Bill No. 2706, itinatadhana na ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) ay magtatakda ng mga pamantayan na nagbabawal sa paggamit ng mga mobile device at electronic gadget sa loob ng mga paaralan sa panahon ng klase.

Ang mga pamantayang ito ay magiging epektibo sa mga mag-aaral mula sa kindergarten hanggang senior high school sa parehong pampubliko at pribadong paaralan. Ang mga guro rin ay ipagbabawal mula sa paggamit ng mga mobile device at electronic gadget sa panahon ng klase.

Sinabi ng senador na bagaman kinikilala niya ang kahalagahan ng mga mobile device at electronic gadget sa edukasyon, naniniwala siya na maaari rin nilang makaapekto sa pag-aaral, lalo na kapag sila ay nagdudulot ng distraksyon sa panahon ng klase.

"Maliban sa pagbaba ng akademikong performance ng mga mag-aaral, nauugnay din ang pag-access sa mga gadget sa cyberbullying, kaya nais naming limitahan ang paggamit ng mga mobile device at iba pang electronic gadget, lalo na sa panahon ng klase," ani Gatchalian.

Ayon sa resulta ng 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), 8 sa bawat 10 15-taong gulang na mag-aaral ay nag-ulat na na-distract sila ng mga smartphones sa klase.

Parehong bilang ng mga mag-aaral ay nag-ulat din na na-distract sila ng paggamit ng smartphone ng ibang mga estudyante sa panahon ng klase.

Ang mga resulta ng PISA ay nagpapakita rin na ang distraction na dulot ng paggamit ng smartphone ay nauugnay sa pagbaba ng 9.3 na puntos sa matematika, 12.2 na puntos sa agham, at 15.04 na puntos sa pagbasa.

Gayunpaman, may mga pagkakataon pa rin kung saan maaaring payagan ang paggamit ng mga smartphone at electronic gadget.

Kabilang dito ang mga presentasyon sa silid-aralan at iba pang mga aktibidad, mga sitwasyon na may kinalaman sa kalusugan o kagalingan tulad ng mga estudyanteng may kundisyon sa kalusugan na nangangailangan ng paggamit ng mga mobile device, at mga sitwasyon na may kinalaman sa pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan sa mga aktibidad sa labas ng paaralan.

Inirerekomenda ng 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report ang mas mahigpit na regulasyon sa paggamit ng mga mobile phone sa mga silid-aralan, tulad ng inirerekomenda ng United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

Ayon sa ulat, 13% ng mga bansa sa buong mundo ang may mga batas na nagbabawal o nagbibigay ng patakaran sa paggamit ng mga mobile phone sa mga paaralan, habang 14% ang may mga patakaran, estratehiya, o pamantayan para sa parehong layunin."

How can the Department of Education enforce the standards prohibiting the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools?

The Department of Education can enforce the standards prohibiting the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools through various measures:

1. **Policy Implementation**: The DepEd can officially incorporate the standards into its policies and guidelines, making it mandatory for all schools to adhere to the prohibition of mobile devices and electronic gadgets during class hours.

2. **Teacher Training**: Provide training and guidance to teachers on enforcing the standards effectively. Teachers can play a crucial role in monitoring and ensuring compliance among students.

3. **Parental Involvement**: Engage parents and guardians in supporting the implementation of the standards. Educating parents on the reasons behind the prohibition and seeking their cooperation can strengthen enforcement efforts.

4. **Monitoring and Supervision**: Regular monitoring and supervision by school administrators and staff can help ensure that students and teachers comply with the standards. Implementing checks and balances can deter violations.

5. **Technological Solutions**: Implement technological solutions, such as software or apps that restrict access to certain websites or apps on school devices, to aid in enforcing the standards.

6. **Disciplinary Measures**: Clearly define consequences for violating the standards and apply appropriate disciplinary actions when necessary. Consistent enforcement of consequences can serve as a deterrent.

7. **Educational Campaigns**: Conduct awareness campaigns within schools to educate students about the importance of limiting mobile device use during class hours and the impact it can have on their learning.

By employing a combination of these strategies, the Department of Education can effectively enforce the standards prohibiting the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools, creating a conducive learning environment for students.

Are there any exceptions to the prohibition on mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools?

Exceptions to the prohibition on mobile devices and electronic gadgets in schools may include:

1. **Educational Purposes**: Students may be allowed to use mobile devices and electronic gadgets for educational purposes, such as research, classroom presentations, or educational apps approved by teachers.

2. **Health or Safety Reasons**: Students with health conditions that require the use of mobile devices for monitoring or communication purposes may be granted exemptions. Similarly, in emergency situations or for ensuring safety during activities outside the school, the use of mobile devices may be permitted.

3. **Teacher Use**: Teachers may be allowed to use mobile devices and electronic gadgets for instructional purposes, communication with parents or colleagues, or other work-related tasks as deemed necessary by the school administration.

4. **Special Circumstances**: There may be special circumstances where the use of mobile devices is essential, such as during school events, extracurricular activities, or specific educational projects that require the use of technology.

5. **Parental Consent**: In some cases, schools may permit the use of mobile devices and electronic gadgets with parental consent, especially for younger students who may need access for communication with parents or guardians.

These exceptions are typically put in place to ensure that students have access to necessary tools for learning and communication while balancing the need to minimize distractions and maintain a focused learning environment. Schools may establish clear guidelines and protocols for when and how exceptions to the prohibition on mobile devices and electronic gadgets can be granted.

Senate Divided on Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge

In recent discussions within the Philippine Senate, the proposed recital of the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge has ignited a debate on the intersection of tradition and modern governance practices. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has voiced his support for Memorandum Circular No. 52, emphasizing its role in fostering a culture of good governance and progressive leadership at all levels of government. Drawing parallels to the singing of hymns in various institutions to symbolize unity, Estrada sees this initiative as a means to instill national values and aspirations.

However, not all senators share the same view. Senator Francis Tolentino has raised concerns about the potential echoes of Martial Law associated with such mandated recitations. He questions the scope of this directive, pondering whether it should apply solely to the executive branch or extend to all branches of government, including the legislature and judiciary.

On the other side of the debate, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has emphasized the need for a legislative framework to support such a mandate. Pimentel argues that an executive order is insufficient and calls for a formal law to authorize the singing of the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and recitation of the new pledge during official ceremonies. He suggests that the Executive Branch present a bill for consideration, amending existing laws governing national symbols and ceremonies.

Pimentel underscores the importance of legislative approval in shaping national practices, highlighting the role of elected representatives in reflecting the will of the people. He also points out the inclusion of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Memorandum Circular, noting that students in these institutions are not government employees yet are required to adhere to the established flag ceremony protocols.

The concept of Bagong Pilipinas, synonymous with the governance brand of the Marcos administration, aims to drive societal transformation and underscore the government's dedication to policy reforms. This initiative encapsulates a vision for a renewed Philippines, emphasizing progress and national development.

As the Senate navigates this discourse on tradition, governance, and national identity, the deliberations surrounding the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge highlight the complexities of balancing historical legacies with contemporary practices. The evolving dialogue within the Senate underscores the importance of thoughtful consideration and inclusive decision-making in shaping the nation's ceremonial traditions and governance ethos.

This updated article delves into the ongoing debate within the Philippine Senate regarding the proposed Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge, shedding light on the diverse perspectives and considerations at play in this discourse on governance and tradition.