SANTIAGO, Chile — Chile’s parliament on Tuesday approved a law banning the use of smartphones by students on school premises, joining a growing list of countries restricting mobile device use over concerns for children’s mental and physical well-being.
The law was passed by a large majority in the Chamber of Deputies and is expected to be enacted soon by President Gabriel Boric, who had voiced support for the initiative. It will take effect in March 2026 in all public and private primary and secondary schools.
Education Minister Nicolas Cataldo described smartphones in schools as “a scourge that… constitutes one of the main pandemics affecting our children and young people.” Lawmaker Diego Schalper, one of the bill’s authors, cited studies linking mobile phone use in children to online addictions and reduced classroom engagement.
Colleague Marcia Raphael added that the measure aims to boost concentration, academic performance, community life, and emotional health among students. Under the law, pupils will only be allowed to use smartphones for special educational needs, emergencies, or medical conditions requiring monitoring.
Other countries that have implemented similar restrictions include Brazil, Finland, South Korea, Italy, and France. According to UNESCO, by the end of 2024, 40 percent of schools worldwide had banned smartphone use to varying degrees, up from 30 percent a year earlier.
