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Mexico to restrict cell phone use in schools starting November 2026
Mexico's Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) has published Agreement 09/09/26 to regulate the use of personal digital devices in both public and private schools. The new regulations, scheduled to take effect on November 3, 2026, aim to reduce distractions, promote cognitive development, and mitigate the negative impacts of excessive social media use.
Under the new rules, students in basic education—including preschool, primary, and secondary levels—will face restrictions on cell phone and tablet use during the school day and recess. Exceptions are permitted for emergencies, health monitoring, disabilities, or when teachers specifically require devices for pedagogical purposes. For upper secondary institutions, schools will have the autonomy to establish their own specific protocols and limitations through community consultation.
While various state authorities and local governments have expressed support for the measure, the National Union of Parents (UNPF) has noted that the regulation may be insufficient without greater parental involvement in the decision-making process. The policy seeks to foster better social interaction and emotional well-being among students by limiting screen time during instructional hours.
Entities
Claudia Sheinbaum · Consejo Nacional de Autoridades Educativas · Mario Delgado · Mexico · Ministry of Public Education · Ricardo Gallardo Cardona · San Luis Potosí · Secretaría de Educación Pública · UNESCO · Unión Nacional de Padres de Familia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 12 SOURCES] The SEP published Agreement 09/09/26 in the Official Gazette of the Federation to regulate digital device use in schools. eldiarionica.com · penascodigital.com · yucatanalamano.com · elcirculorojo.com.mx · nuevolaredo.tv · +6 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Upper secondary institutions will define their own rules and limitations for device use through community consultation. eldiarionica.com · penascodigital.com · elcirculorojo.com.mx · estamosaqui.mx · 24hoursworlds.com · +4 more
- [DISPUTED] The new regulations are scheduled to take effect on November 3, 2026. diariosinsecretos.com · vanguardia.com.mx · eldiarionica.com · penascodigital.com · yucatanalamano.com · +13 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] Exceptions to the device restrictions include emergencies, health needs, disabilities, and accessibility requirements. eldiarionica.com · penascodigital.com · yucatanalamano.com · elcirculorojo.com.mx · 24hoursworlds.com · +3 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The regulation aims to promote cognitive development and reduce the negative impacts of excessive screen and social media use. eldiarionica.com · penascodigital.com · elcirculorojo.com.mx · banderasnews.com · mensajepolitico.com · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] San Luis Potosí is developing its own state law to regulate cell phone use, which may include sanctions or school closures for non-compliance. agenciadenoticiasslp.com
- [● 16 SOURCES] Students in basic education (preschool, primary, and secondary) are prohibited from using cell phones during the entire school day, including recess. eldiarionica.com · penascodigital.com · yucatanalamano.com · elcirculorojo.com.mx · nuevolaredo.tv · +9 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] A 30-business-day information period involving school assemblies will precede the full implementation of the rules. eldiarionica.com · penascodigital.com · elcirculorojo.com.mx · 24hoursworlds.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The UNPF considers the federal agreement on cell phone use in schools insufficient due to a lack of parental participation. diariosinsecretos.com · vanguardia.com.mx
- [● 3 SOURCES] The SEP published Agreement 09/09/26 to regulate the responsible and safe use of personal digital devices in schools. diariosinsecretos.com · vanguardia.com.mx
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The UNPF president in Coahuila suggested that cell phone use in higher education should be subject to individual institutional protocols.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The regulation restricts cell phone use during the school day in basic education but allows exceptions for emergencies and health needs. vanguardia.com.mx