The Role of Mobile Phones in Education
Mobile phones have become an almost indispensable part of daily life for children and adolescents. This dependency has led many educators and parents to label it as an addiction. As the debate continues in Mexico regarding the educational potential of these devices, concerns have also arisen regarding their impact on attention, social interaction, and excessive screen time. The Mexican government is currently in the process of developing a nationwide policy, while various states have taken the initiative to impose restrictions on mobile phone usage in schools.
In mid-July, President Claudia Sheinbaum, along with officials from the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), presented a list of 16 states that have enacted legislation on this matter. Recently, Sinaloa and Tlaxcala have joined this list, showcasing a growing trend towards regulation.
Current Regulations Across States
Numerous states have already established regulations concerning mobile phone use in educational settings:
Aguascalientes: Mobile phone usage is restricted during school hours, with exceptions made for educational purposes and justified circumstances.
Campeche: Mobile devices are permitted mainly for academic activities approved by teachers.
Mexico City: The use of mobile phones and other devices is restricted, but exceptions for educational purposes and justified situations are included.
Coahuila: Mobile phone usage during classes is subject to restrictions and may constitute a disciplinary violation.
Durango: Restrictions vary by educational level, with academic use allowed under supervision.
State of Mexico: Mobile phone use is restricted, with protocols being developed for safe storage and academic exceptions for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Guanajuato: Device usage is limited during school activities, prioritising pedagogical purposes.
Guerrero: Mobile phones are mainly permitted for educational purposes or emergencies, including restrictions for teachers regarding recordings within school premises.
Hidalgo: Use is allowed in planned educational activities or exceptional situations such as emergencies.
Jalisco: Mobile phone use is restricted during school activities, but pedagogical use is permitted under supervision.
Michoacán: The use of mobile devices is prohibited during classes, except for pedagogical activities, emergencies, or specific needs.
Nuevo León: The entry of devices not intended for educational purposes is restricted, and their use within schools requires teacher approval for pedagogical activities.
Querétaro: Phones must remain turned off or stored during classes, with exceptions for educational or emergency situations. The state is a pioneer in this regulation.
San Luis Potosí: Regulations are in place for mobile phone use during school hours, with exceptions for educational purposes.
Sinaloa: As of July 30, 2026, mobile devices may only be used for academic purposes or emergencies under teacher supervision. Educational authorities have 120 days to issue guidelines.
Sonora: Use is primarily restricted and allowed only for educational purposes.
Tamaulipas: Mobile phone usage is restricted during school hours in basic education, with exceptions for emergencies and authorised situations.
Tlaxcala: In July 2026, educational authorities issued guidelines to regulate mobile devices during educational activities.
Proposals Awaiting Approval
Additionally, six states have proposed legislative initiatives that are still pending approval:
Baja California: A proposal for educational authorities to establish protocols regarding devices during school hours is awaiting a decision.
Nayarit: A proposal to regulate or restrict mobile phone usage in basic education is under consideration.
Oaxaca: A proposal to allow phones solely for pedagogical purposes with teacher permission is being discussed, without an absolute ban.
Puebla: Discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of restrictions on mobile phone usage in schools.
Quintana Roo: A proposal to regulate mobile phone usage in basic education is currently being reviewed.
Veracruz: A regulation that might also encompass secondary school teachers is under analysis.
The Complexity of Regulation
When public discussions revolve around the regulation of mobile phones, the term “prohibition” is often used, though this can be misleading. The regulations vary significantly from state to state. In some regions, the goal is to have phones stored away during classes, while in others, students are allowed to carry them and use them only when permitted by a teacher for school activities. Exceptions for emergencies or specific health-related needs also exist.
The national government is now entering this discussion in light of the progress made at the state level. On August 17, the SEP announced plans to consult over a million primary school teachers from more than 200,000 schools during Technical School Councils on August 24 and 25. The aim is to gather teachers’ opinions on the presence of mobile phones and other digital devices in schools and to explore suitable regulatory measures.
Looking Ahead: Potential National Policy
The Sheinbaum administration intends to leverage these insights to develop a national policy. The SEP has also proposed forums involving teachers, students, families, and specialists. The discourse extends beyond mobile phones, encompassing the impacts of social media, artificial intelligence, video games, and intensive screen usage among minors.
A potential national regulation will need to address practical concerns that are likely to fall under the jurisdiction of individual schools. Questions such as where phones will be stored, who will be responsible in case of loss, whether they can be used during recess, and provisions for students requiring devices for medical reasons will need to be carefully considered. Additionally, the roles of teachers and families in this context will play a crucial part in shaping the future of mobile phone usage in education.
While there is currently no federal prohibition on mobile phones in schools, the diverse range of state regulations offers a variety of options for federal authorities, from the more restrictive models seen in Querétaro to the more flexible approaches adopted in Coahuila.