Mexico youth smartphone regulation

In July 2026 the Mexican government began a coordinated effort to curb excessive smartphone and social‑media use among children and adolescents. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) would open a national debate on regulating digital device use in schools, proposing rules that balance educational benefits with mental‑health protections. The initiative was reinforced by Governor Mauricio Kuri González, who highlighted the success of his state’s “Law Kuri” in improving concentration and reducing bullying.

Alongside the policy push, the municipality of Playa del Carmen launched the “Deportilandia 2026” summer program to encourage physical activity as an alternative to screen time. A week later, SEP formally opened the nationwide discussion, with Secretary Mario Delgado Carrillo urging participation from parents, teachers, and specialists. Experts such as researcher Lucía Magis Weinberg and psychologist Tania Jiménez García presented evidence on the impact of digital media on brain development, attention, anxiety and potential addiction, underscoring the government’s science‑based approach to the issue.