Mexico Moves to Ban Mobile Phones in Schools as Global Restrictions Grow

Mexico is set to restrict students from using mobile phones in elementary and secondary schools, joining a growing number of countries introducing tighter controls on smartphone use in educational institutions.

The new regulation, announced by the Mexican government, is expected to take effect in November 2026. Under the rule, students will not be permitted to use mobile phones during classes or recess, except in cases of emergencies or during planned school activities.

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The move is aimed at helping students concentrate more on their studies and reducing distractions linked to social media and excessive smartphone use.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the government wants to encourage creativity among children and adolescents while addressing concerns over indiscriminate phone use and its relationship with social media.

The restriction will apply to elementary and secondary schools, while students in the final three years before university and those in higher education will not be covered by the nationwide restriction. At higher levels of education, individual institutions will have greater discretion over how mobile devices are used.

The policy followed consultations with educators and specialists on the effects of excessive social media and smartphone use among children and adolescents. According to Mexico’s Education Ministry, 81 per cent of teachers surveyed supported restricting mobile phone use in schools.

Mexico’s decision is part of a broader international trend. Countries including France, New Zealand and Peru have introduced varying degrees of restrictions on mobile phone use in schools, with governments citing concerns about distraction, student wellbeing and the impact of excessive digital use. UNESCO also describes school phone restrictions as a widespread global policy trend.

The Mexican government says the new rules are intended to create school environments that are more focused on learning while encouraging healthier relationships with digital technology.

With the policy expected to come into force later this year, schools, teachers, parents and students will have to adjust to new rules governing when and how mobile devices can be used within school environments.