Mexico advances social media regulation to protect minors

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced plans to advance discussions regarding the regulation of digital platforms and social media to protect children and adolescents. The administration intends to present a formal proposal during the upcoming school cycle, focusing on the impact of excessive screen time on learning, mental health, and behavior.

Rather than a purely prohibitive approach, the strategy emphasizes education and critical thinking. One key proposal involves implementing weekly sessions titled ‘ABC de las emociones’ (ABC of Emotions) for students in third-year secondary school and upper secondary education. These sessions aim to foster emotional well-being and help students understand the consequences of prolonged digital exposure.

Public Education Secretary Mario Delgado Carrillo noted that educators face significant challenges, including maintaining student attention, managing cyberbullying, and integrating technology with pedagogical purpose. To counter the effects of digital immediacy, the government plans to strengthen literacy and writing programs to improve concentration and deep reading skills.