Mexico May Ban Student Cellphones in Schools

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo revealed on Thursday that her government is analyzing the possibility of restricting the use of cellphones by students in schools, stating that the devices have become a source of problems and distraction for children and adolescents.

During her morning press conference, the president explained that an inter-institutional working group—comprised of the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Ministry of Culture—is reviewing measures to foster healthier educational environments, as well as alternatives that promote reading and learning.

"We have a working group that includes the Secretary of Education, Youth and the Secretary of Science, because this is also related to what happened at CCH Sur, as it has to do with many phenomena that are occurring. It is not massive, it is particularly in the larger cities, but we do have a working group to see what measures can help avoid it," explained Claudia Sheinbaum.

The President indicated that one of the possible measures would be to limit the use of cellphones within schools, though she clarified that the aim is also to offer positive alternatives for students.

"One of them could be to limit the use of cellphones in schools, which is under review. But another has to do with other promotions, like the 'México Canta' program or the '25 for 25', which promote reading," she said.

Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that there are currently more than 24,000 reading clubs across the country, and that her government seeks to significantly expand that network as part of a cultural and educational strategy.

"We need to have many more and we are working on it with the Ministry of Culture, to bring people back to reading and away from the anxiety provoked by changing an image on a social network every second," she emphasized.

The president underscored that her objective is not to impose a senseless prohibition, but to drive a transformation in the way young people relate to technology and knowledge.

"It has a lot to do with the promotion of reading, with a different vision of promotion, not just prohibition. But it is a relevant issue that we need to work on," she concluded.