MEXICO CITY: Mexico said on Sept 21 it is banning mobile phones in elementary and secondary schools, joining countries around the world in trying to help kids focus on learning, rather than be glued to social media.
Under a rule taking effect in November, students will be barred from using mobile phones in class or during recess, except in cases of emergency or during planned school events.
"The goal is to recover creativity and avoid indiscriminate use of phones, which in relation to social media can have very negative effects," President Claudia Sheinbaum told her daily press conference.
The restriction will not apply to kids in their last three years before college or to university students.
The government ordered the change after consulting with educators and specialists on the harmful effects of social media addiction on small kids and adolescents.
Of the teachers surveyed, 81% said restricting mobile phone use in schools is necessary, according to the Education Ministry.
Countries around the world, from France to New Zealand to Peru, have implemented some degree of restriction on cell phones in schools as the dangers of excessive use have become clear, including depression, body image problems, social isolation and risk of suicide. – AFP
Those suffering from problems can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service at 03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392; Talian Kasih at 15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp; Jakim’s (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre at 0111-959 8214 on WhatsApp; and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur at 03-7627 2929 or go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
