Regional Memo No. 259, s. 2024 Reiteration of DepEd Order No. 83, s. 2023, 40, s. 2012 AND 49 s. 2022 on Prohibiting Cellphone Use and Pagers during Class Hours

Department of Education (DepEd) has issued a reminder through Regional Memo No. 259, s. 2024 regarding the responsible use of cellphones among students. This memo reiterates the guidelines set forth in Regional Memo No. 259, s. 2024 Reiteration of DepEd Order No. 83, s. 2023, 40, s. 2012 AND 49 s. 2022 on Prohibiting Cellphone Use and Pagers during Class Hours, DepEd child Protection Policy and Promotion of Professionalism in the implementation and Delivery of Basic Education Programs and Services.

Regional Memo No. 259, s. 2024 Reiteration of DepEd Order No. 83, s. 2023

Regional Memo No. 259, s. 2024 Reiteration of DepEd Order No. 83, s. 2023

The rationale behind this prohibition stems from concerns about the potential misuse of cellphones, especially among younger students. One of the primary concerns highlighted is the ease with which cellphones can be used to disseminate inappropriate content, such as nude photos and videos. Recent incidents involving high school students sharing sensitive material online have underscored the importance of guiding students on responsible digital citizenship.

Parents must consider their children's age and maturity level before allowing them to use or own cellphones. While cellphones can be valuable tools for communication and learning, they also come with responsibilities that students must understand.

Furthermore, Teachers should strictly implement DepEd's guidelines while maintaining open communication with parents. This collaborative approach ensures that school policies are enforced effectively while considering individual circumstances and parental discretion.

DepEd's focus on implementing anti-bullying measures alongside the cellphone policy reflects its commitment to creating safe and conducive learning environments for students. 

The comments from Netizens regarding the use of cellphones in schools vary. Some argue that both schools and students/parents should share responsibility for posting content online, emphasizing the need for caution to prevent potential harm to students.

Others suggest a case-by-case approach for bringing cellphones to school, where students surrender them when not needed, highlighting the practicality of cellphones for communication and security purposes. It is also mentioned that cellphones can serve as a vital means of communication between guardians and pupils, and that rules should be established to prevent misuse or abuse of cellphone usage in educational settings. 

Overall, the debate revolves around finding a balance between the benefits and risks associated with cellphone use in schools and ensuring that guidelines are in place to regulate their usage effectively.

Conclusion

Regional Memo No. 259, s. 2024 serves as a reminder of DepEd's ongoing efforts to promote responsible technology use and ensure a positive educational experience for all students. By working together with parents, teachers, and stakeholders, DepEd aims to address emerging challenges and uphold the well-being of students in today's digital age.

Source: ACT NCR UNION

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