DepEd Recommends A Maximum Of 1 to 4 Hours of Screen Time For Online Learning

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Students shouldn’t be using screens for a long time, even if it’s for online education, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

The Education Department released on Thursday, September 3, a memorandum entitled “Suggested Strategies In Implementing Distance Learning Delivery Modalities For School Year 2020-2021.” It contains the suggested maximum screen times students should spend on gadgets for online learning. 

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The number of screen time hours varies depending on the students’ grade level. The DepEd adopted the maximum screen times allowance on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on distance learning:

• Kindergarten students should spend not more than an hour of screen time.
• Learners in grades one to five are allowed one and a half hours of screen time.
• Older students in grades 6 to 8 may use gadgets for a maximum of two hours.
• Students in grades nine to 12 can be online for a maximum of four hours in a day. But the hour should be broken down into two-hour increments in the morning and afternoon. 

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“Online activities shall be complemented with locomotion, motor-sensory, and audio tools which will support subjects related to performing arts and clubs,” the memorandum read. 

DepEd Undersecretary Alain Pascua also urged schools to comply. “Ang kalusugan at seguridad ng ating mga anak ay mahalaga kaya atin po itong pangalagaan!” he wrote on Facebook. 

Lessons must not be confined to online as well. Schools should also give students activity sheets and performance-based tasks that they can do without having to use the gadgets or the Internet. 

Many students will be learning at home through printed and digital modules, online classes, television, and radio since face-to-face classes remain prohibited due to the threat of COVID-19. The DepEd moved the start of classes from August 24 o October 5 to better prepare for the new school year.

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