Students in Dumanjug, Cebu are now prohibited from bringing mobile phones to school starting Monday, June 29, under a strict policy imposed by Mayor Gungun Gica.

In an online post, Gica announced a “total ban” on cellphones in all schools in the municipality, warning that any device brought by a student will be confiscated and only returned at the end of the school year.

“If a student brings a phone, it will be confiscated and only returned at the end of the school year. If you do not wish to follow this policy,” Gica said, adding that parents who disagree may transfer their children to schools outside the municipality.

The mayor said the policy aims to encourage students to focus on reading, studying and interacting with classmates without distractions from mobile devices.

Gica also called on parents to be more involved at home by talking to their children, monitoring their school activities and promoting healthy family relationships.

Local officials are set to meet with school heads to discuss the implementation of the policy and related measures, including student safety and transport. The mayor said the town is also planning to acquire school buses, though details have yet to be finalized.

The cellphone ban takes effect immediately as schools begin enforcing the new rules across Dumanjug.