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Mexico and Colombia implement school cell phone regulations
Mexico and Colombia are advancing policies to regulate mobile device and screen usage in schools. In Mexico, the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) is developing a national agreement to implement age-based restrictions. Under the proposed guidelines, students in primary and secondary education would face prohibitions on device use during classes, with devices potentially kept in secure storage. High school students would have more flexibility, as schools could establish internal rules to allow devices for pedagogical purposes.
Civil society organizations in Mexico have criticized these measures as insufficient, arguing that banning hardware does not address the underlying risks of social media platforms, such as addictive algorithms, data extraction, and personalized content. They urge the government to regulate the digital platforms themselves to protect minors from mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
In Colombia, the Bogotá Secretariat of Education is drafting a resolution to limit screen exposure throughout the entire school day, including breaks and recess. The proposal aims to prioritize physical interaction and social development, particularly for younger children, while allowing technology use for older students when it serves specific educational goals.
Entities
Bogotá · Bogotá Education Secretariat · Claudia Sheinbaum · El Poder del Consumidor · Juan Manuel Navarro Muñiz · Julia Rubiano · Mario Delgado · Mexico · Secretaría de Educación Pública · Secretaría de Educación de Bogotá · SocialTIC · Soledad de Graciano Sánchez City Council
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mayor Juan Manuel Navarro Muñiz stated that cell phone regulation is primarily the responsibility of teachers and educational authorities.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Bogotá Education Secretariat is studying a measure to regulate cell phone use in schools, allowing them only for pedagogical purposes.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The goal of the proposed regulation is to reduce distractions during the school day and promote responsible device use.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Municipal Education Department lacks the authority to prohibit or modify device use rules, as this falls under state and federal jurisdiction.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The proposal is currently in the study phase and does not constitute a definitive ban.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The municipal government of Soledad de Graciano Sánchez expressed readiness to support the regulation of cell phone use in basic education classrooms.