"With their smartphones in their backpacks and new books in hand, thousands of students in Chile began the 2026 school year under a new law that prohibits and regulates the use of electronic devices inside classrooms. Footage filmed on Wednesday shows students arriving at the classroom where a shelf awaits them featuring a space for each student and teacher to leave their smartphones for safekeeping. "The law establishes a prohibition regarding the use of technological devices. That includes smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and it applies to all levels: families, students, teachers, and administrators," explained Florencia Mingo, executive director of Fundacion Impulso Docente. The National Congress of Chile approved at the end of 2025 a bill that prohibits the use of personal electronic devices in primary and secondary education institutions, with the goal of improving concentration and attention during classes, promoting school coexistence among students, and balancing the use of technology. Teachers pointed out that the success of the ban will not depend only on the regulation but also on its implementation. "The regulation and the system we have are fully based on a formative value, which is honesty," added Alfredo Carter, inspector general of the Swiss School of Santiago. The law was published at the beginning of February 2026 and came into force this Wednesday with the new school year. Schools have until June 30, 2026 to adapt their internal regulations and school protocols according to the new regulation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education of Chile indicated that this measure is part of a broader plan to improve the quality of education and strengthen communication, play, and active participation in schools."