Key facts
- Mexico will implement nationwide rules restricting cellphone and tablet use in primary and secondary schools.
- The new rules take effect on November 3.
- The measure applies across the public education system.
- High schools will set their own limits for safe and responsible educational use of devices.
- Universities will be encouraged to promote responsible digital citizenship.
Mexico is introducing nationwide rules to restrict cellphone and tablet use in primary and secondary schools, beginning November 3. The measure, announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to address concerns about screen time's effects on children and promote mental health, learning, and development. Education Minister Mario Delgado described the agreement as a fundamental step toward safeguarding the rights of children and young people. While the ban applies to younger students, high schools will be empowered to establish their own guidelines for the safe and responsible use of devices for educational purposes. Universities will also be encouraged to foster responsible digital citizenship grounded in ethics and critical thinking. Mexico joins a growing global trend of countries implementing limits on children's technology access, with Australia having previously banned social media for those under 16. This move also follows Meta Platforms' agreement to pay $18 billion to resolve claims of designing its platforms to addict children.