Mexico and Argentina move to restrict school cellphone use

Mexico’s government is launching a national debate on limiting smartphones, social media and AI use by minors. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced forums in Nuevo León, Chiapas and Guerrero, citing data that 75 % of Mexican youth are constantly on their phones and that excessive screen time affects sleep, mental health and cognition. The discussion involves the Secretariat of Education, UNESCO and regional authorities, and aims to develop consensual regulations rather than outright bans.

In the state of Morelos, Governor Margarita González Saravia echoed the national effort, stressing the need to protect children in the home and schools and noting existing prohibitions on cellphone use in basic‑education institutions. Senators from the PT party have also presented a proposal urging health and education ministries to strengthen preventive campaigns on digital overuse.

Argentina is taking parallel steps. The provincial government of Chaco approved a law governing the use of mobile devices and AI in schools, limiting personal use to pedagogical purposes and requiring a ministerial protocol. In Buenos Aires, Education Secretary Alicia La Terza outlined how the new ordinance will be implemented, with training for staff and families and specific exemptions for health or accessibility needs. Both countries cite UNESCO research on the risks of early and uncontrolled screen exposure for children.