▲ A teenager looking at a smartphone (File Photo)
The use of smartphones will be completely banned in all elementary and middle schools across Mexico starting November 3.
During a regular press conference on the 21st (local time), Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced, "Following a unanimous agreement by the education secretaries of all 32 states, the use of electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets will be restricted in all elementary and middle schools."
The agreement by the National Educational Authorities Council containing this measure is scheduled to be published in the federal official gazette on the 22nd.
Consequently, students will no longer be able to use smartphones and other devices on school grounds during class and break times once the policy takes effect on November 3.
However, students will be allowed to carry mobile phones in their backpacks while commuting to and from school to prepare for emergencies or individual special situations.
President Sheinbaum emphasized that this government policy is a matter of "regulation" rather than a simple "ban."
She explained that the measure aims to prevent the negative impacts of indiscriminate smartphone use on children and to revive students' creativity.
She added that the decision is not entirely new, as 16 states in Mexico have already independently implemented similar regulations.
Unlike elementary and middle schools, a blanket total ban will not apply to high schools.
Mario Delgado, the federal minister of education who attended the press conference, explained, "For high schools, each institution must autonomously establish restrictive measures for the responsible and safe use of the devices."
(Photo: Getty Images)
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