MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Zamboanga del Sur has issued a memorandum that strictly prohibits teachers from recording or streaming videos, engaging in vlogging activities, or including learners in any video content during class or office hours.
This new directive under Division Memorandum No. 124 series 2025, released on March 6, seeks to uphold a conducive learning environment and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of quality education.
The memo outlines concerns over the practice of creating and sharing videos during instructional time, citing that such activities can cause unnecessary distractions and hinder the focus of both educators and students. Additionally, including learners in videos raises significant concerns about privacy, data protection, and the overall well-being of students.
"The practice of creating and sharing videos during instructional time can cause unnecessary distractions and negatively impact the focus of both teachers and learners. Additionally, the inclusion of learners in such recordings raises concerns regarding privacy, data protection, and their overall well-being," the memo stated.
As part of the efforts to maintain professionalism and the integrity of the educational environment, DepEd Zamboanga has issued the following mandates for teachers:
- Avoid recording or streaming videos for personal or public sharing during class hours.
- Ensure that students are not included in any vlogs, recordings, or social media content related to personal engagements.
- Prioritize the structured and uninterrupted delivery of lessons.
The directive is aligned in several existing DepEd Orders and advisories, including:
- DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 (Child Protection Policy), which emphasizes the protection of learners from exploitation.
- DepEd Order No. 83, s. 2003 (Prohibition on the Use of Mobile Phones and Pagers During Class Hours), which aims to minimize distractions in the classroom.
- DepEd Order No. 5, s. 2024 (Policy Guidelines on the Rationalization of Teachers' Workload), ensuring that teachers' time is dedicated to educational instruction.
- DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2023 (Participation of Teachers in Volunteer Work and Extracurricular Activities), reminding teachers that non-academic activities should not interfere with teaching, and discouraging the use of platforms like TikTok during work hours.
The memo specifically addresses the use of platforms such as TikTok, especially when used within school premises or while teachers are in uniform, in an effort to maintain professionalism and prevent distractions during work hours.
Non-compliance with the directive may result in appropriate administrative actions, in accordance with DepEd policies and regulations.
— The Summit Express
