Mexico bans phones in primary and secondary schools from November 3

Mexico's Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) confirmed a nationwide agreement to restrict mobile phone use in public primary and secondary schools starting November 3. The measure was approved unanimously by education authorities from all 32 states during an extraordinary CONAEDU session.

Students may bring phones to campus but must keep them stored away during the entire school day, including recess periods. Exceptions will be allowed for emergencies or specific student needs.

“They can have it stored in their backpack, but neither in classes nor at recess can cell phones be used.”

The policy aims to reduce classroom distractions and strengthen mental health for adolescents aged 14 to 18 under the "ABC of Emotions" strategy promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

For upper secondary and higher education institutions, each school community will develop its own rules, which may be less strict than those for younger students.

The agreement will be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, and schools will hold information sessions for teachers, students, and families before the rules take effect.