Politics · Mexico · 1 hr ago
Mexican Senate committee approves school phone restrictions
Two committees in Mexico’s Senate approved a bill restricting personal phones and smart devices in schools.
The restriction would cover public and private schools from early education through secondary school, and apply throughout the school day.
Devices could still be used for educational activities planned in advance.
In high schools, school authorities would hold assemblies to decide when device use is allowed.
At universities, the bill would promote responsible use in classrooms rather than impose the same restriction.
Supporters said the rules aim to keep devices from distracting students, while senators also raised concerns about digital education, student input, mental health, teacher training and privacy.
The committees approved the bill unanimously, but the source does not say what happens next in the legislative process.
Mexico’s Senate education and legislative committees unanimously approved a bill restricting phones and other smart devices in basic education schools.
The restriction would cover the full school day from preschool through secondary school, with devices allowed only for previously planned educational purposes.
High school authorities would hold assemblies to decide when devices may be used.
The bill also calls for promoting responsible device use in university classrooms.
Senators who supported the measure raised concerns about student participation, digital education, mental health, teacher training and data protection.
- Who
- Mexico’s Senate committees on Education and First Legislative Studies approved the reform.
- What
- The reform restricts personal phones and smart devices during the school day in basic education schools. High schools would decide usage through assemblies.
- When
- October 2026. The article was published on October 13, 2026; the approval date is not stated.
- Where
- Mexico, at a session of the Senate committees.
- Why
- The reform aims to support responsible and safe use of digital devices and learning technologies in schools.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Senators discussed the proposed restrictions and concerns including attention, digital education and student participation.
The Senate committees approved the reform unanimously, with 27 votes in favor.
- Committee vote
- 27 in favor
- Basic education
- Preschool through secondary school
- Device restriction
- Applies throughout the school day
- High schools
- Assemblies will decide when devices may be used
- Universities
- Responsible use in classrooms will be promoted
Sources
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