Mexico bans mobile phones in schools during lessons
From Tuesday, 3 November, mobile phones will be banned throughout the school day in Mexican primary and secondary schools. The ban was introduced by a decree from President Claudia Sheinbaum, though some parents fear losing contact with their children.
Starting Tuesday, 3 November, pupils in Mexico's primary and secondary schools will no longer be allowed to use mobile phones at any point during the school day. The ban is set out in a decree issued by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Experts have welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a chance to reduce children's dependence on technology, which they link to attention deficits, stress and anxiety.
What the decree says
The decree prohibits the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in schools for the whole school day. There are two exceptions: devices may be used for educational purposes under a teacher's supervision, and in cases of personal emergencies, disability or health needs. Pupils may still carry their phones on the way to school.
Parents' concerns
The ban has already met resistance. Some parents worry they will be unable to reach their children at a time when violence linked to organised crime and drug gangs is widespread in Mexico. According to the civil society coalition Children's Rights Network in Mexico (REDIM), in the first half of this year one in ten Mexicans aged up to 17 had become a victim of a crime connected with organised crime.
The authorities have not commented on these concerns, instead stressing the harm caused by mobile phones.
Rules for digital platforms
Mexican authorities are also preparing to introduce rules this month that would require digital platforms to delete posts containing hate speech, offensive statements, sexual violence, harassment, cyberbullying and other illegal content.
