Latin American schools implement mobile device regulations

Several Latin American regions are implementing new regulations regarding the use of mobile devices in schools. In Peru, the Ministry of Education (Minedu) has officially approved the regulations for Law No. 32385. This mandate restricts the use of cell phones and similar electronic devices in both public and private primary and secondary schools during educational activities, including those held outside of school premises or regular hours.

The Peruvian regulation allows for specific exceptions, such as when devices are used for pedagogical purposes, to address educational barriers, for health or disability reasons, or during emergencies. Schools may implement mechanisms to enforce these rules, including the potential for device custody during the school day.

In Mexico, the Secretary of Education of Tabasco reported that approximately 92 percent of surveyed parents support regulating mobile device use during school hours. Meanwhile, in Paraguay, legislative discussions have moved toward regulating rather than strictly prohibiting devices, emphasizing that technology use should serve specific pedagogical objectives rather than just following trends.