Mexico bans cell phones in schools from November

Mexico said Monday it will ban cell phones in elementary and secondary schools from November, joining other countries that have restricted mobile phone use in classrooms.

Under the rule, students will not be allowed to use mobile phones in class or during recess, except in emergencies or during planned school events.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said the goal was to encourage creativity and avoid indiscriminate phone use, especially linked to social media. The restriction will not apply to students in their last three years before college or to university students.

The government ordered the change after consulting educators and specialists on the effects of social media addiction on children and adolescents. The Education Ministry said 81 percent of teachers surveyed considered restrictions on cell phone use in schools necessary.

Countries including France, New Zealand and Peru have introduced some restrictions on cell phones in schools.