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CEBU CITY, Philippines – Elementary and high school students are now banned from entering Internet cafés during class hours on school days.
The Cebu City Council approved a resolution urging Internet café owners to assist in the implementation of the city ordinance that restricts elementary and high school students from entering and using Internet facilities in Internet shops in the city.
Members of the Internet Café Association of Cebu (ICAC), a legitimate organization of owners of Internet shops in Cebu City, were urged to assist the law enforcement agencies in strictly enforcing the ordinance.
Although the Internet can help enhance the learning of the students, most students use the Internet for entertainment and gaming purposes.
The Council said some students frequent Internet cafés to play network games during class hours instead of staying in school and attending classes.
A number of students frequent Internet shops after school hours, which should have been used for studying and doing homework, city officials said.
City Ordinance 1901 as amended by City Ordinance 2060, students are restricted from entering Internet shops and using Internet facilities unless a written approval from the school authorities, such as the guidance councilor or school principal, was presented and that the purpose is school related, like doing research.
The Parents-Teachers Association in the city is also encouraged by the City Council to come up with an appropriate action so that students will take their studies seriously. /Correspondent Marian Z. Codilla
