Mexico Bans Cell Phones in Schools as Government Moves to Shield Children From Social Media Distractions
Mexico is implementing a ban on cell phone use in elementary and secondary schools starting Nov. 1, as the government aims to curb social media distractions and assist children to focus on their studies.
The new rule will mean that students will not be able to use their mobile phones during lessons or at break time. Exceptions will be made for emergencies and planned school events.
The measure is designed to support children’s recovery of creativity and mitigate concerns about excessive phone and social media use, said President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The restriction will not be in effect for students in their last three years of high school or for university students.
The policy was based on discussions with teachers and experts on the impact of overuse of social media on children and adolescents, Mexico’s Education Ministry said. The ministry said 81 per cent of teachers surveyed backed the ban on cell phone use in schools.
Mexico is the latest nation to impose limits on children’s phone usage in school.
In France, students are not allowed to use their phones in school until they are approximately 15 years old, including during breaks; in New Zealand, each school can decide on its own policy. Peru has also implemented restrictions on phone use during school hours.
The measures are in response to the increasing international awareness of the negative impact of excessive screen time on children’s concentration, mental health, social interactions and academic achievement.
