Dominican Republic's MINERD regulates mobile device use in schools

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Education (MINERD) has implemented Departmental Order 11-2026, regulating the use of cell phones and mobile electronic devices in both public and private schools starting with the 2026-2027 school year.

Wilson Mateo, Director of Educational Informatics at MINERD, stated that the measure is not a general ban on technology but an effort to organize its use based on educational levels. The goal is to ensure devices are used primarily for pedagogical purposes. In the initial level, devices are deemed unnecessary to prioritize social interaction and dialogue. In primary school, use will be restricted and permitted only when teachers or academic coordinators determine it is required for specific educational activities.

The new regulations also address student privacy regarding images. Teachers wishing to post photos or videos of students on personal social media accounts must obtain authorization from the educational center and informed consent from parents or guardians. This measure aims to protect the integrity and image of minors by controlling third-party access to student imagery within school grounds.