Regulation of Mobile Phone Use in Mexican Schools

While it has been recognized that technology facilitates human life, today there are risks associated with the use of mobile devices, especially among girls, boys, and adolescents. The increase in mobile phones, tablets, and computers was more pronounced during the Covid-19 pandemic, and despite their utility, threats also emerged for the most vulnerable populations. The evidence is very clear: the unsupervised use of mobile phones by children and adolescents, without time limits, causes irreparable harm, and its effects are now being recorded worldwide. Mexico is no exception, and therefore it is necessary to establish clearer and more forceful rules. In recent statements, the head of the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), Mario Delgado Carrillo, expressed his willingness to open a debate to regulate the use of mobile phones in public and private basic-level schools. He acknowledged research that points to the risks and threats to mental health and behavioral changes experienced by minor-aged users. In his opinion, our country cannot be left out of the discussion, and a 'responsible, conscious, and critical' digital culture would be promoted. On the other hand, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, also acknowledged that measures are being taken to analyze the possibility of restricting the use of mobile phones, considering that these devices cause problems and distractions for girls, boys, and adolescents. The head of state revealed that an inter-institutional working group—comprising the SEP, the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Culture—is reviewing actions to foster healthier educational environments, as well as alternatives that promote reading and learning. Digital practices have expanded into multiple areas of life, but not always with proper guidance, and this is generating concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an increase in the problematic use of social media has been detected, mainly among the adolescent population. According to this organization's data, more than 1 in 10 adolescents (11 percent) showed signs of problematic behavior on social media, with difficulties controlling their use; women (13 percent) have higher levels of problematic social media use than men (9 percent). In the face of this evidence, different governments have decided to take matters into their own hands, creating public policies to restrict access to both social media and mobile devices. As a model country, Mexico can draw on the experience of Australia, which at the end of 2024 established a mandatory age limit for access to social media, and held digital platforms accountable for preventing minors from using them. In Mexico, in 2025, reforms were approved to the Law on the Rights of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents in the state of Querétaro, as well as to the state's Penal Code, to regulate the use of social media by minors. This law is unique in Mexico, as there is no federal regulation on the matter, although there are initiatives seeking to follow the global trend. At Early Institute, we value the support that technology provides in advancing processes and various tasks in different social spheres; however, we know that there are risks due to improper use. We also know that there is a concern to protect girls, boys, and adolescents from potential threats, which prompts the urgency of joining the debates to achieve measures that ensure the good use of tools and prevent possible problems derived from these current forms of communication.