THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) XI is doubling down on its efforts to strictly enforce a ban on the use of mobile phones and personal electronic devices during class hours.
In the Davao Peace and Security Press briefing on Wednesday, May 6, at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, DepEd XI spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said the move is part of DepEd Order No. 6-2026, designed to restore focus in the classroom and protect the integrity of the teaching-learning process.
“The use of cellular phones during class hours is prohibited, ” Atillo said. “This is to ensure a safe and motivating learning environment.”
The directive outlines simple warnings to parent-involved interventions for repeat violators. For the first offense, the device will be temporarily confiscated and returned only at the end of the class period. A formal confiscation slip will be issued for documentation.
For the second offense, the device will be held until the end of the school day, and a formal notice will be sent to the student’s parents.
Finally, for succeeding offenses, the device will be surrendered to the school head or principal. It will only be released once a parent or guardian physically retrieves the item from the school office.
Atillo clarified that the prohibition applies not only to students but also to teachers and school personnel during instructional time. While the policy discourages phone use, the Department noted that it is not a total ban on technology.
“Our goal is that technology should be regulated, not eliminated,” the agency stated. Devices may still be utilized for specific academic purposes, such as research or digital classroom activities, provided they have the explicit approval of the teacher.
In cases of emergencies or school-sanctioned activities, exceptions may be made.
Schools have been directed to establish “technology zones” or provide secure storage solutions, such as lockers or designated boxes, to manage devices during the school day.
