Mexico public school computer and internet access gap, Digi Mart USA News (Mexico): Only 35% of public basic-education schools in Mexico have computers and internet for educational activities, while the remaining 65% lack at least one of these resources, according to an analysis by México Evalúa and Tecnológico de Monterrey.
The study warns that new restrictions on cellphone use in classrooms could deepen inequalities, because many schools lack sufficient technological tools to replace students’ devices.
The analysis also notes that the reported availability of computers may be lower than official figures, since records do not verify whether the equipment works. During a visit to Parral, Chihuahua, a teacher reported that his school had computers about 15 years old whose programs no longer functioned.
The research also found that for 56.3% of minors aged 6 to 17 who use cellphones, the phone is their only digital resource. In low socioeconomic households that proportion rises to 73.1%, compared with 11.2% in higher-income households.
Specialists said limiting phones should be accompanied by investment in computers, tablets, internet access and teacher training. They also proposed evaluating the measure’s effects on learning and classroom coexistence, establishing exceptions for pedagogical activities, and ensuring that families do not have to cover technology costs that are the responsibility of the State.
