New Regulations on Cell Phones in BCS Schools

Introduction to the Assemblies

The Secretary of Public Education (SEP) in Baja California Sur is set to commence informative assemblies starting Monday, October 19. These meetings will involve school directors and representatives from parent societies to discuss new regulations concerning the use of digital devices in public and private pre-school, primary, and secondary schools. José María Hernández Manríquez, the General Director of Basic Education, emphasized the importance of these assemblies in fostering a better understanding of the regulations.

Schedule of Meetings

The assemblies are scheduled to take place in various locations throughout the region. The first meeting will be held in Guerrero Negro on October 19, followed by Vizcaíno on October 20, Santa Rosalía on October 21, Loreto on October 22, Ciudad Constitución on October 23, La Paz on October 26, Cabo San Lucas on October 27, and San José del Cabo on October 28. This extensive schedule aims to ensure that all stakeholders are informed about the new guidelines and their implications for students and educators alike.

Purpose and Focus of the Regulation

Hernández Manríquez explained that the primary goal of these assemblies is to inform participants about the scope of the new regulations, which are designed to be formative, preventive, and promote shared responsibility among educators, parents, and students. He stated,

"The focus is on pedagogical attention, rest, and school coexistence."

The regulation is also a response to the growing concern regarding distractions caused by mobile phones during learning hours. Hernández Manríquez referenced a UNESCO report highlighting the negative impact of mobile devices in classrooms, noting that the percentage of countries regulating these devices has increased from 24% to 58%.

Furthermore, studies have linked excessive use of social media among children and adolescents to mental health issues, sleep disturbances, and attention difficulties. This regulation aims to mitigate such risks by establishing clear guidelines for device usage in educational settings.

These initiatives are part of Agreement 09/09/26, published in the Official Journal of the Federation, which outlines measures to protect the rights of children and adolescents in their interactions with digital devices. The agreement also promotes responsible and safe usage of technology within the National Educational System.

As these assemblies unfold, parents and educators are encouraged to engage actively in discussions about the impact of digital devices on education. The SEP aims to create a collaborative environment where all parties can contribute to the well-being and academic success of students in Baja California Sur.