Question & AnswerQ&A (DECS ORDER NO. 70, S. 1999)
The main purpose is to prohibit the use of cellular phones and pagers by elementary and secondary school students during class hours to prevent distraction, class disturbance, and cheating during examinations.
It is directed to school officials of elementary and secondary schools to enforce the prohibition on the use of cellular phones and pagers during class hours.
The use of cellular phones specifically for text messaging and the use of pagers are prohibited.
The prohibition applies during class hours and within school premises, particularly inside classrooms and during examinations.
Reasons include diversion of attention from studies, disturbance to classes, and their use in cheating during examinations.
Yes, school officials are instructed to ensure that text messaging and paging are immediately stopped, or at least closely monitored and regulated.
While the order primarily prohibits use, it recognizes the need for close monitoring and regulation at the very least if immediate stopping is not possible.
The order itself does not specify particular penalties but directs school officials to ensure compliance and prevent disturbances and cheating caused by these devices.
The order was adopted on June 29, 1999.
The order applies specifically to students of elementary and secondary schools.
Because the use of cellular phones and pagers was already proving disruptive and impacting the discipline and fairness of classroom and examination settings, rapid dissemination was necessary to enforce compliance.