Maguikay bans school kids from internet cafes

CEBU, Philippines – Children of school age in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City, both in elementary and high school levels, are now prohibited from entering any computer rental shops or internet cafes during class hours.

Following the passage of Barangay Ordinance No. 07-2016, owners of internet cafes and computer shops in Maguikay are now prohibited from letting students and other minors play video games during school days.

As provided under the ordinance sponsored by Councilman Fernando Go and co-sponsored by Councilman Edwin Calderon, all minors will not be allowed to stay in internet cafes beyond 10 in the evening.

If the owners of internet cafes or computer rental shops will violate, they will be fined with P500 and P1,000 for first and second offense, respectively, while a recommendation of closure and a P1,000 fine is the sanction for third offense.

"The Office of the Punong Barangay has been receiving reports that computer shops are allowing students during school days to play video games in the internet and use its computer service during school hours," the resolution read.

According to Councilors Go and Calderon, there are students frequently seen playing online games and even browsing through pornographic websites.

"It creates negative emotional and psychological influence to their tender and young minds, which results to poor academic performance," the councilmen said.

Calderon and Go reminds all internet cafe and computer rental shop owners to religiously exercise their authority and rights on prohibiting students and minors from renting their computer units during school hours.

Section 2 of the Barangay Ordinance, however, provides exemptions to students if they are accompanied by parents or guardians. Exemptions will also be given to students if they will use the internet for research and present a permission letter from their teacher for the said activity.

Barangay Maguikay is passing this ordinance to strengthen the barangay's compliance with an existing city ordinance that regulates the operation of internet cafes in Mandaue City.   —/JBB (FREEMAN)