Mexico targets youth smartphone use with new rules and summer sports drive

The Mexican government is tackling excessive smartphone use among children and adolescents through a series of initiatives. At a federal briefing, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) will open a debate on regulating mobile phone, social‑media and digital platform use in schools to safeguard learning environments and the mental health of students. The proposal seeks rules, not bans, to allow educational benefits while limiting risks.

Querétaro Governor Mauricio Kuri González publicly endorsed the federal proposal, noting that his state has already implemented a similar “Law Kuri” for more than a year, which he says has improved concentration, reduced bullying and boosted academic performance. Kuri stressed that the national discussion aligns with the state’s experience and called for broader protection of minors in the digital sphere.

Health officials warned that unmoderated phone use is linked to depression, chronic fatigue and anxiety in young people, urging families and schools to limit screen time. Complementing the regulatory push, the municipality of Playa del Carmen launched the “Deportilandia 2026” summer program, bringing 320 children together for two weeks of football, basketball, swimming and other activities, encouraging them to exchange devices for physical sport and social interaction.