What's happened
Chile will implement a law banning smartphone use during class starting in 2026, aligning with restrictions in countries like France and China. The legislation aims to reduce distractions and improve student well-being, following years of lobbying by parents and teachers. The law awaits presidential approval.
What's behind the headline?
The legislation reflects a broader recognition that outright bans may not be the most effective solution. Countries like New Zealand and the UK have found mixed results, with some students circumventing restrictions through methods like walkie-talkies. The emphasis is shifting toward balanced approaches that include digital literacy and healthy usage habits.
Implementing a blanket ban risks alienating students and may foster secretive behavior, undermining the intended benefits. Instead, integrating digital skills into curricula and involving students in policy discussions could foster more sustainable behavioral change.
The legislation's success will depend on how well schools and teachers are supported with resources and training. Without this, the law risks being ineffective or counterproductive, as students continue to find ways around restrictions. The focus should be on fostering responsible digital citizenship rather than simple prohibition, which aligns with research from the Digital Wellness Lab.
In the long term, this policy could influence global standards, encouraging a shift toward more nuanced digital policies that prioritize well-being and skill development over outright bans.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights that Chile's legislation is part of a wider international movement, with countries like France, Brazil, Hungary, the Netherlands, and China adopting similar restrictions. The article emphasizes that the law was driven by concerns over mental health and learning disruptions, citing pilot programs and international studies.
AP News notes that the legislation has been approved by Chile's Congress and will take effect in 2026 after presidential signing. It underscores the broad political support and the rationale of improving social interaction and concentration among students.
Both sources agree on the legislative process and the motivation behind the law, but The Independent emphasizes the potential limitations of bans and advocates for balanced digital literacy strategies, while AP News focuses on the legislative approval and international context.
How we got here
Chile's move follows a global trend of restricting smartphone use in schools to address concerns about distractions and mental health. The legislation was driven by rising evidence that digital devices impair learning and emotional development, with pilot programs and international studies supporting the benefits of such bans.
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Common question
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Why is Chile banning smartphones in schools?
Chile's decision to ban smartphones in classrooms starting in 2026 has sparked curiosity and debate. This move aligns with similar restrictions in countries like France and China, aiming to improve student focus and well-being. But what are the reasons behind this law, and what impact will it have? Below, we explore the key questions about Chile's smartphone ban in schools, how it compares globally, and what it means for students and teachers.
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Gabriel Borić Font is a Chilean politician and former student leader who has been a member of the Chamber of Deputies since 11 March 2014, representing the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region.
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Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in western South America. It occupies a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.