The Chilean parliament has approved a law that prohibits the use of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools, set to come into effect in March.

The Chilean Parliament adopted on Tuesday a bill that prohibits the use of mobile phones in all primary and secondary schools, both public and private. The initiative, supported by the government of President Gabriel Boric, will come into effect in March and aims to combat the negative impact of phones on education and the mental health of students.

The Minister of Education, Nicolas Cataldo, described the use of mobile phones as a "plague" that affects children, associating it with the development of addictions and the deterioration of the learning process. The law allows exceptions for students with special educational needs or in case of emergencies.

This measure aligns with international trends, with many countries in Latin America and Europe adopting similar restrictions to promote the concentration and emotional health of young people.