Gadget use in schools: What you need to know
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Schools Division of Dinagat Islands reminds the public, especially parents or guardians, learners, teachers, and stakeholders, of the importance of responsible gadget use and safe digital practices in schools.
This reminder is pursuant to Division Memorandum No. 485, series of 2026, and Office Memorandum, Office of the Undersecretary for Operations 2026-11-3725 on the Implementation of Protocols on Gadget Use and Safeguarding Standards for Content Creation in All Schools and Community Learning Centers.
The following reminders were highlighted:
* 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭. The use of cellphones and other portable electronic devices during instructional periods is prohibited, subject to authorized exceptions under applicable DepEd policies such as academic purposes and emergency situations.
Academic purposes include accessing authorized educational platforms, digital learning resources, or approved online collaborative activities, while emergency situations refer to disasters, medical emergencies, or immediate safety concerns.#
* 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐲. School-based photography, videography, interviews, livestreaming, and social media posts involving learners must observe child protection, data privacy, consent, and safeguarding requirements.
This reminder requires securing prior consent by consulting learners and their parents or legal guardians regarding participation and possible exposure on social media. It also requires public schools to obtain the Schools Division Office’s required authorization for partnership activities, especially those involving content creation.
Also, protect and do not disclose personal information such as identifying details, contact information, school records, or other private information.
* 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫. Respect learners’ rights, dignity, privacy, safety, and best interests in every form of digital content.
According to the Schools Division of Dinagat Islands, the issuances strictly prohibit content that exposes learners to abuse or exploitation, discriminatory or humiliating portrayals, cyberbullying and harassment, unauthorized disclosure of personal information, and creation of content that is degrading, exploitative, and harmful.
* 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. School heads, teachers, publication advisers, content creators, learners, and stakeholders all have a role in ensuring responsible digital practices.
School heads and community learning center managers are instructed to properly disseminate the memorandums to all personnel, learners, and stakeholders. They are also directed to review and strengthen school-level gadget use procedures; orient publication advisers and personnel involved in documentation and digital content production; coordinate with the School Child Protection Committee and designated personnel when concerns arise; and report or refer suspected violations through established channels.
For Schools Division Superintendent Florence E. Almaden, the responsible use of technology for a safe and productive learning environment is a shared responsibility.
“Let us make technology an ally in learning, not a compromise to learner safety and protection,” she said.
In time with the celebration of the National Children’s Month this November, Almaden added, “This National Children’s Month, let us go beyond celebrating children. Let us make learners’ protection a daily commitment.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DepEd Dinagat Islands)