Educators in Baja California Sur Address Cell Phone Use in Schools

A New Approach to Digital Learning

Over eight thousand teachers in Baja California Sur have embarked on intensive workshops as part of the Technical School Council (CTE) for the 2026-2027 academic year. These workshops include participation in a national survey focused on the regulation of digital platforms, social networks, and smartphones within educational institutions. José María Hernández Manríquez, the General Director of Basic Education at the Ministry of Public Education, emphasized the importance of these discussions.

"The opinions of teachers in our state, as well as those from across the country, will be taken into account to define measures that allow us to use these technological tools appropriately and in favor of learning."

The initiative aims to create a framework that not only addresses the integration of technology in education but also considers the potential risks associated with excessive use of social media by students. The workshops are designed to gather insights from educators on how to effectively manage these tools in the classroom.

Risks of Excessive Social Media Use

Hernández Manríquez pointed out that the indiscriminate use of social networks by children and adolescents poses significant risks to their cognitive development and overall well-being. He noted that such usage can disrupt sleep patterns and expose young individuals to various dangers, including sexual harassment, cyberbullying, pornography, and violent content.

"The excessive and indiscriminate use of social media by children and adolescents represents a risk to their cognitive development and well-being, as it can alter their sleep patterns and expose them to situations such as sexual harassment, cyberbullying, pornography, and violent content."

This acknowledgment of the risks associated with digital tools is crucial as schools increasingly integrate technology into their curricula. The workshops aim to empower teachers to navigate these challenges while enhancing the educational experience for their students.

Future of Education in the Digital Age

In addition to addressing cellphone use, the workshops will also include a questionnaire regarding the dissolution of the USICAMM, the National Institute for the Evaluation of Education. Educators will have the opportunity to provide proposals for the integration of a new institution and the criteria that should be considered in its processes.

The feedback collected during these sessions will be instrumental in shaping future educational policies in Baja California Sur. As technology continues to evolve, the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes student safety and effective learning becomes increasingly important.

"As we move forward, it is essential that we find a balance between the benefits of technology and the potential risks it poses to our students."

The outcomes of these workshops will not only influence local educational practices but may also serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges in the digital age. The commitment of educators to engage in these discussions highlights the proactive steps being taken to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all students.