Mexico classrooms go phone-free under new school rules

Mexico institutes nationwide ban on cellphone use in schools

Mexico City witnessed the introduction of a nationwide ban on cellphone and tablet use in Mexican schools on Tuesday. The new rules, which will take effect on November 3rd, apply to all public education institutions and restrict the use of cellphones and tablets from the start of the school day until dismissal. This marks Mexico as one of a growing number of countries seeking to establish clear boundaries around children's access to cellphones and social media, as concerns about the impact of screen time on young people's well-being and development continue to mount.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the decision alongside her state education officials, who reached a consensus on the measure. She emphasized that high schools would determine their own guidelines to ensure responsible and safe device usage for educational purposes. Meanwhile, universities would be encouraged to promote responsible usage, emphasizing digital citizenship grounded in ethics and critical thinking.

Education Minister Mario Delgado highlighted the significance of this agreement, stating that it is a crucial step in safeguarding the rights of children, adolescents, and young people by promoting their mental health, learning, and overall development. By fostering better attention, human interaction, and community, the measure aims to counterbalance the potential negative effects of excessive screen time.