Mexico City, Mexico — Next month, Mexico will begin new regulations of cell phone use in the classroom. The use of screens in schools will be regulated according to the grade.
“The goal is to recover creativity and avoid this indiscriminate use of screens which, when particularly linked to social media, can have negative impacts,” Sheinbaum said.
President Sheinbaum says the regulation stipulates that cell phones should not be used during the school day in Basic Education. In Upper Secondary Education, responsible and safe use is permitted with limitations, according to each institution and in Higher Education, responsible and safe use is encouraged.
Sheinbaum announced that the regulation of cell phone use in schools will come into effect on November 3rd with the aim of promoting the development of cognitive skills in children and young people. She said the decision was made following a unanimous agreement with all governors as well as a consultation with teachers at all educational levels.
“Cell phones and screens should only be used for emergencies or personal matters concerning children. They can keep them in their backpacks, but they are not allowed in class or during recess.
“The goal is to foster creativity and prevent the indiscriminate use of screens, which, particularly when linked to social media, can have very negative impacts,” she explained during a press conference.
“Starting November 3rd screens can no longer be used as an educational tool in schools nor during recess.”
She explained that prior to the regulations coming into effect, scools will have a period of 30 days to hold informational assemblies about the agreement in order to begin its implementation in November.
She recalled that regulations on the use of digital devices were already being implemented in 16 states. Sheinbaum pointed out that this is not a measure only implemented in Mexico but something that is happening in many countries.
The Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado Carrillo, stated that in the consultation conducted with teachers regarding the regulation of cell phones in schools, 81 percent expressed their support.
He also affirmed that these regulations are a fundamental step to guarantee the rights of children, adolescents, and young people, ensuring their mental health, their learning, and their comprehensive development, strengthening attention, human contact, and community.
