Mexico School Cellphone Restrictions in Primary and Secondary Schools, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico): Guidelines issued by the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) to regulate the use of mobile phones and digital devices in primary and secondary schools across the country took effect starting Tuesday, November 3.
The measures aim to improve student concentration, support learning and promote a healthier school environment. During her morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced the implementation of the measure and said she would later visit a Mexico City school to take part in a reading session.
SEP head Mario Delgado Carrillo explained in recent days that primary and secondary students may bring their phones to school but must keep them stored throughout the school day, including recess.
For upper secondary education, restrictions will be determined by each institution through agreements among administrators, teachers and parents. Universities will not face a general ban; instead, they will promote responsible technology use and critical thinking regarding digital tools.
The guidelines include exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, justified health conditions and accessibility and inclusion requirements. Devices may also be used when they form part of teacher-planned educational activities.
Although the regulation mainly targets students, education authorities also called on teachers to avoid unnecessary screen use during the school day.
According to information presented by the SEP, the measure received support from 81 percent of more than 565,000 basic education teachers consulted nationwide, who said rules for digital device use in schools were needed.
The strategy seeks to address the effects of excessive screen use and to improve learning conditions and school life for students.
