The Government of the City of Buenos Aires prohibits the use of cell phones during classes in high school, for both students and teachers, while each school must define whether devices can be used during breaks.
According to Argentine News Agency (NA), the measure indicates that in both public and private institutions, mobile phones will only be used in computer labs and for educational activities, in the search to improve student learning.
According to the new regulation, access to these devices is restricted, and any digital pedagogical activity must be carried out exclusively with the institution's equipment and under teacher supervision.
The regulation of cell phone use, implemented by the government of Jorge Macri in August 2024, was the first step, while the current resolution establishes that in initial and primary levels, not only is this device prohibited, but it also covers other digital devices throughout the day, including recreation times, the dining room, and other spaces.
However, exceptions include cases of disability, illness, or specific support needs.
"The cell phone in school is a machine for distraction and does not help kids learn. It's a serious problem we have and we are taking responsibility for finding a solution," emphasized the head of Government, Jorge Macri, and added: "The goal of the classroom is to learn, and as a government, we have to generate the conditions for teachers to have the students' attention again. But our obligation is to take care of the digital well-being of the kids. The cell phone is not an essential tool in the classroom."
The evidence, according to studies conducted among students a year after the regulation of cell phone use in schools, showed significant improvements. Seven out of ten elementary school students and six out of ten high school students stated that they pay more attention and learn better. More than half affirmed that they talk more with their classmates and agreed that the restrictions do not generate more boredom in the classroom.
In turn, the majority of teachers and administrators surveyed indicated that interruptions and reprimands in class decreased and face-to-face interaction increased.
"We were pioneers in Argentina and Latin America in prohibiting the use of cell phones in initial and primary levels and regulating it in high school. Today, with the evidence in hand, we decided to take another step and declare classrooms free of cell phones," stated the Minister of Education of the City, Mercedes Miguel.
"The school must be a space of attention, bonding, and learning. We are in favor of using technology with pedagogical sense; we are not against technology."
