Chile Moves to Ban Smartphone Use in Classrooms to Reduce Distractions and Improve Learning
Chile has approved a new law that will prohibit the use of smartphones and other smart devices during class hours in elementary and middle schools, joining a growing list of countries taking action to curb digital distractions among young students. The ban, set to take effect next year, is aimed at reducing the negative effects of screen use and refocusing attention on in-person learning. The measure aligns Chile with nations such as France, Brazil, Hungary, the Netherlands and China, all of which have implemented varying levels of restrictions on phone use in schools. Education Minister Nicolás Cataldo celebrated the decision, saying the country is moving toward “a cultural change” that encourages children to reconnect face-to-face, socialise during breaks, and rebuild their attention spans for better academic outcomes. While the Senate had already supported the phone ban earlier in principle, the legislation underwent further adjustments before being put to a final vote in the lower house on Tuesday. Lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the updated version, which bans smartphone use during lessons except in emergencies or for approved educational purposes. The bill will now be sent to President Gabriel Boric for his signature before becoming national policy in time for the 2026 school year. Growing concerns around youth mental health have fuelled calls for such restrictions. Parents and teachers across Chile have long argued that excessive smartphone use hinders both academic performance and emotional development. A school in Santiago successfully piloted a program earlier this year that blocked mobile signals, adding momentum to the nationwide push. Recent data from an OECD international study supports these concerns, revealing that more than half of Chilean students reported that digital devices disrupted their learning. Source: AP
