Mexico Bans Mobile Phone Use in Primary and Secondary Schools

Mexico has announced a nationwide restriction on the use of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools, joining a growing list of countries seeking to limit students’ exposure to digital distractions and improve concentration in the classroom.

The new regulation, announced by the Mexican government on Monday, is expected to take effect in November.

Under the policy, students will be prohibited from using mobile phones during lessons and recess periods, except in emergency situations or during officially approved school activities.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said the measure was designed to help children and teenagers focus more on learning and reduce what authorities described as excessive and indiscriminate use of mobile devices, particularly for accessing social media.

Speaking during her daily press conference, Sheinbaum said the government wanted to encourage creativity among students while addressing concerns about the growing influence of social media on young people.

She said excessive phone and social media use could have negative consequences for children and adolescents, prompting the government to introduce measures aimed at creating a healthier educational environment.

However, the restriction will not apply to students in the final three years before university. University students will also be excluded from the new rules.

The government said the decision followed consultations with teachers, education specialists and other experts who examined the potential effects of excessive mobile phone use and social media dependence among children and teenagers.

According to Mexico’s Education Ministry, 81 per cent of teachers surveyed said restrictions on mobile phone use in schools were necessary.

The ministry said the findings reflected concerns among educators that unrestricted access to mobile devices could interfere with classroom activities and students’ ability to concentrate on their studies.

Mexico’s decision is part of a wider international trend, with several countries introducing different forms of restrictions on mobile phone use in schools.

Countries including France, New Zealand and Peru have already adopted measures aimed at limiting students’ access to mobile devices during school hours.

The policies have been introduced amid growing international concern about the effects of excessive screen time and social media use on children and teenagers.

Some of the concerns raised by health and education experts include social isolation, body-image problems, depression and other mental health challenges, as well as exposure to potentially harmful online content.

The Mexican government said the new restrictions are intended to strike a balance between the educational benefits of technology and the need to protect students from excessive or distracting use of mobile devices.

Authorities are expected to provide schools with further guidance ahead of the November implementation date, particularly regarding emergencies and authorised school activities where phone use may be permitted.

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