Cell phone use will soon be strictly regulated in Mexico City’s primary and secondary schools after the local Congress unanimously approved on Thursday an amendment to the capital’s Education Law requiring the development of guidelines for imposing restrictions.

Legislators insist the reform does not contemplate a total ban on cell phones in school, but rather seeks the elimination of distractions during school hours. Nor are they seeking to hinder technological innovation, but rather aim to promote a balance between digital learning and the well-being of students.

On-campus cell phone use, therefore, will be permitted for expressly authorized educational activities. The new legislation also incorporates the principle of “responsible digital learning,” with the intention of promoting critical and informed use of information technologies among students.

During floor debate, lawmakers voiced concern that the excessive and uncontrolled use of cell phones and screens within schools affects the learning, coexistence and mental health of adolescents.

“We understand that simply prohibiting the use of devices does not solve the underlying problem,” said Claudia Montes de Oca, a member of the Committee on Education, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence. “An absolute restriction could contradict the constitutional mandate to incorporate technology and innovation into educational processes.”

Speaking on behalf of the bill she co-sponsored, National Action Party Deputy Laura Alejandra Álvarez said 75% of teachers believe that students are constantly distracted by their cell phones in class, adding that more than 3 million teenagers have been victims of cyberbullying or online sexual exploitation in Mexico.

The reform has been sent to Mayor Clara Brugada, who has up to 30 business days to enact it and order its publication in the capital’s Official Gazette. 

The reform will take effect the day after its publication, after which educational authorities will have a yet-to-be specified period of time to define the protocols and oversight mechanisms for implementing the restriction in classrooms.

With this reform, Mexico City joins several other states, including Querétaro, Guanajuato, Morelos, Aguascalientes and México state that have already implemented similar restrictions in basic education. 

The new law applies to both public and private schools. It does not call for sanctioning students for an episode of guideline violation.

With reports from El País, Info 7 and Sopitas.com