Starting March 2, 2026, primary schools in Buenos Aires will enforce a new regulation requiring students to keep their cell phones and other screens turned off during school hours, except for specific educational purposes as defined by teachers. This measure is aimed at minimizing distractions and enhancing students' focus on their education. It comes as part of a broader educational initiative to improve classroom engagement and learning outcomes.

The regulation, known as law N° 15.534, was approved by the Buenos Aires legislature and is part of ongoing discussions about technology's role in education. Advocates for this law, including Senator Emmanuel González Santalla and former Senator Lorena Mandagarán, argue that increasing screen time can detract from students' learning experiences. While primary schools will lead the initiative, there is growing discussion about extending similar restrictions to secondary schools, indicating a potential shift in educational policies across different school levels in the province.

The implementation of this regulation signals a significant step towards redefining the relationship between students and technology within the educational system in Buenos Aires. It raises important questions regarding the balance between utilizing technology for learning and preventing distractions that can undermine educational objectives. As schools prepare to adapt to this change, the impact on students, teachers, and the educational environment will be closely observed, particularly in how it might affect academic performance and social interactions during school hours.