Photo: The Rio TimesPhoto: The Rio TimesMexico
Mexico bans cellphones in schools from November 3 despite parent concerns
The federal rule covering primary and secondary schools aims to curb screen use among children, and parents in violence-hit areas worry about losing contact during emergencies.
What happened
Mexico restricted the use of mobile phones and electronic tablets in public and private primary and secondary schools starting November 3, applying during lessons and breaks. arkansasonline.com+1 The federal government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, is seeking to limit children's and teenagers' use of electronic devices, joining more than 100 countries that have taken similar measures in the last decade. AP News+1 Education Minister Mario Delgado Carrillo said the aim is to improve concentration, social interaction and responsible use of technology. ua.news The Ministry of Education announced the changes under the slogan "Turn off the screen and turn on your imagination." ua.news
Around it
The ban faces resistance in some parts of the country, where parents fear being unable to communicate with their children amid ongoing violence. AP News+1 The civil society coalition Network for Children's Rights in Mexico said that in the first half of this year, 1 in 10 Mexicans aged 0 to 17 were victims of crimes involving organized crime. arkansasonline.com Under the rules, each upper secondary school will independently determine its own phone rules. ua.news Experts have supported the initiative as a way to reduce young Mexicans' exposure to technology and the attention deficit, stress and anxiety associated with it. arkansasonline.com
Sources
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- Photo: The Rio Times
Photo: The Rio Times
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