Mexico debates mobile phone regulations in schools

The Mexican federal government has initiated a debate regarding the regulation of mobile phone use among children and adolescents in schools. The discussion is driven by concerns over excessive screen time, with reports indicating some minors spend up to seven hours a day in front of screens.

Surveys show that over 83% of parents express concern regarding these habits, and approximately 70% support establishing rules to limit device use in educational settings. The proposed objective is not to eliminate technology from classrooms entirely, but to prevent phones from becoming distractions caused by social media, video games, and other applications.

Potential measures include allowing students to bring phones to school but requiring them to be turned off or stored during lessons, unless a teacher authorizes their use for specific educational purposes. While there is currently no absolute federal prohibition, a decision regarding these regulations is expected to be reached before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.