The Effects of Cell Phone Usage on the Spelling Ability of Junior High School Students at Tungkop National High School, Minglanilla, Cebu

This study examined the impact of cell phone used on the spelling skills of 200 Grade 7–10 students at Tungkop National High School (Tungkop NHS) in Minglanilla, Cebu. Researchers used spelling tests, surveys, and teacher interviews to understand the impact of mobile habits on student performance. The findings showed that frequent use of phones for messaging and social media often led to spelling mistakes in both English and Filipino. Students tended to rely on phonetic spelling, writing words as they sounded, or used shortcuts and abbreviations common in “text speak.” These habits, while convenient in casual communication, spilled over into academic writing and weakened spelling accuracy. On the brighter side, the study also revealed that guided use of educational apps under the school’s Digital Literacy Program improved spelling skills. Students who practiced with apps focused on vocabulary and spelling showed more consistent accuracy. The results highlight the need for stronger school technology policies, aligned with DepEd guidelines, to ensure mobile devices are used to support learning rather than hinder it.