Mexico weighs new rules for children's social-media use and school phone bans

Mexico's government is initiating a series of consultations on how to curb children's exposure to social-media, with President Claudia Sheinbaum hosting experts like Jonathan Haidt at her press conferences. The agenda includes exploring a country-wide ban on mobile phones in schools, a policy already in place in several Mexican states, and debating whether content or algorithmic features should be regulated for users under 18.

Sheinbaum emphasized the need for input from all political parties and civil society to avoid accusations of censorship. The move mirrors steps taken by Australia, which barred under-16 accounts on major platforms, and Brazil, which mandates age verification and parental controls. France's recent attempt to ban under-15 accounts was struck down by its constitutional council, highlighting the complexity of such reforms.