Chile joins countries banning smartphone use during class

SANTIAGO, Chile Chile has officially approved legislation prohibiting the use of mobile phones and other smart devices during lessons in elementary and middle schools. The regulation will be enforced starting next year, positioning Chile among the growing list of countries limiting smartphone access in classrooms to protect students from distractions and potential negative effects.

Other nations with varying degrees of restrictions on phone use in schools include France, Brazil, Hungary, the Netherlands, and China.

Education Minister Nicols Cataldo emphasized the cultural shift the law aims to bring: We are promoting a change that encourages children and teenagers to engage with each other face-to-face, interact during breaks, and regain focus to enhance their learning, he stated on social media.

The Senate had initially passed the proposal earlier this year, with amendments later approved by Chile's lower house of Congress. After thorough debate, lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the updated bill, which prohibits smartphones during lessons except in emergencies or for specific educational purposes defined by the law.

The measure will take effect nationwide at the start of the 2026 academic year, once signed by President Gabriel Boric.

Parents and teachers have long advocated for such restrictions, citing concerns about mental health and the negative impact of smartphones on students concentration and emotional growth. In Santiago, a local school trialed a pilot program that successfully blocked cellphone signals, highlighting the potential benefits of limiting device use.

Recent data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows that more than half of Chilean students report that digital devices interfere with their learning, reinforcing the rationale behind the nationwide ban.

Author: Lucas Grant