Mexico Evaluates Restrictions on Cellphones and Social Media for Minors

Federal Strategy and Public Health Concerns

During her morning conference on June 17, 2026, President Claudia Sheinbaum framed the potential regulation of digital devices as a necessary intervention for the well-being of children and adolescents. The administration is currently weighing measures to limit screen time and restrict cellphone use, particularly within primary school environments.

“Estamos viendo el uso de la pantalla en niños y jóvenes porque tiene consecuencias en la salud y en la socialización. Hay muchísimos estudios que muestran cómo la ansiedad en los jóvenes tiene que ver con el apego a la pantalla.”

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico

The President noted that the issue extends beyond individual habits, suggesting that excess screen use is increasingly categorized as an addiction internationally. While the proposal aims to curb digital dependency, it also seeks to revitalize traditional social behaviors among youth. Sheinbaum specifically advocated for the return of physical play, suggesting games like resorte, matatena, canicas, avión, cuerda, memoria, el aro as alternatives to foster better school convivencia.

International Precedent and Educational Regulation

Mexico’s current internal debate aligns with a broader global movement. According to reporting from La Jornada, the representative of UNESCO in Mexico, Andrés Morales, noted that a portion of countries—representing 114 individual school systems—have already enacted regulations. These measures frequently include bans on cellular devices in primary and secondary schools and restrictions on social media access for minors.

Domestically, the groundwork for such regulation is already in motion. The Congress of Mexico City recently approved reforms to the Education Law, which prohibit students from using cellphones during class hours in both public and private basic education levels, with exceptions made only for specific circumstances. This shift reflects a growing consensus among parents and officials that the classroom environment requires protection from digital distraction.

Implementation Challenges and Future Discussions

While the administration plans to move forward with public consultations, the initiative faces an uncertain reception. Observers anticipate that any formal government move to regulate digital platforms or restrict access for minors will likely be met with resistance from those who view such policies as overly restrictive or authoritarian.

The debate is further complicated by the rapid evolution of technology. In addition to regulating personal device usage, the President has signaled a need for a national discussion regarding the regulation of Artificial Intelligence. As the government prepares for upcoming consultations, the core tension remains: balancing the technological integration that defined the careers of figures like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg with the documented mental health risks now associated with early digital immersion.

Sources: xeva.com.mx.