Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Mexico Introduces Nationwide School Cellphone Restrictions for Students
Mexico is making new rules about phones and tablets in public schools.
The rules begin on November 3.
Younger students in primary and secondary schools will generally not use these devices during the school day.
This means the restriction lasts from the first bell until the last bell.
High schools will decide their own rules for using devices safely in lessons.
Universities will also be encouraged to teach responsible technology use.
Officials say the goal is to help students learn, focus and interact with others.
The decision is part of a wider debate about children’s screen time and social media use.
Mexico will restrict cellphone and tablet use across its public education system starting November 3.
Primary and secondary students will face restrictions from the first bell to the last.
High schools will establish their own limits for safe and responsible educational device use.
Universities will be encouraged to promote responsible use and digital citizenship.
Officials said the policy aims to support children’s mental health, learning, attention and human interaction.
- Who
- Mexico’s government, including President Claudia Sheinbaum and Education Minister Mario Delgado, announced the rules for public-school students.
- What
- Nationwide rules will restrict cellphone and tablet use in primary and secondary schools, while high schools will set their own limits.
- When
- The measure takes effect on November 3; it was announced on September 22.
- Where
- Across Mexico’s public education system.
- Why
- Officials said the rules are intended to protect students’ mental health, learning, attention, human interaction and overall development.
- Effective date
- November 3
- Scope
- Mexico’s public education system
- Primary and secondary schools
- Cellphone restrictions apply from bell to bell
- High schools
- Schools will establish their own limits for safe and responsible educational use
- Universities
- They will be encouraged to promote responsible use and digital citizenship
- Announced by
- President Claudia Sheinbaum
- Stated goals
- Supporting mental health, learning, attention, human interaction and community