Due to controversial results in Pisa tests, Manizales will regulate the restriction of cell phone use in schools, even during breaks.

NewsIn the decree, it is established that during the remainder of 2026, adjustments must be made to the coexistence manuals so that their implementation begins in 2027. Students from Manizales during academic and recreational activities. Photo: Jhon Jairo Bonilla.09.30.2026 15:44 Updated: 09.30.2026 16:01 After the controversial results of Colombian students in the Pisa tests, the multiple studies released on the damage that prolonged screen use causes to developing brains, and the various cases of school cyberbullying that have become known throughout the country, Manizales will regulate the use of cell phones in the city's schools. The measure was formalized in recent hours through Decree 0326 of 2026, signed by Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas Giraldo. According to the document, the measure seeks to adopt guidelines to protect the concentration, socio-emotional health, and coexistence of students in all public and private institutions in the city. Students from Manizales during academic and recreational activities. Photo: Jhon Jairo Bonilla. "The purpose of this Decree is to consolidate protected learning environments in the public and private educational institutions of Manizales, through the regulation of the use of mobile phones and digital devices, in terms of ages, purposes, and times, seeking to preserve concentration, reflective learning, socio-emotional health, and in-person coexistence spaces for students while they are fulfilling the school day," the decree states. The document specifies that the established guidelines apply to all public and private educational institutions located in the municipality that provide services at the initial, basic, and secondary education levels. Councilman Hernando Marín, who since the beginning of this year initiated the request to address the issue, indicated that the initiative was achieved in coordination with the Ministry of Education after months of working groups and discussions with experts. Cell phones in schools Manizales Photo: Jhon Jairo Bonilla. "The institutions, from now on, have the rest of this school period so that—through their Boards of Directors and in a concerted manner with parents, students, and other actors—they adjust and regulate their coexistence manuals, so that in 2027 they can present to their educational community the measures that will be taken regarding the use of technological tools," Marín explained. The councilman specified that the regulation will be adjusted according to the particularities of each institution. Each one will define not only the parameters but also the mechanisms for the custody or prohibition of carrying cell phones during the school day. It should be noted that the measure contemplates some exceptions. Among them, use will be permitted when it is an accessibility tool for students with special needs or disabilities, in cases with certified medical monitoring, or in emergency and security situations. In addition, it is stated that planned pedagogical use will be permitted; that is, teachers may integrate the devices when there is an academic intention previously planned in the curriculum, without obliging families to acquire or provide equipment. Use of cell phones in school environments. Photo: NIKOLA MILJKOVIC "There are successful models that are even being applied here in the city. At the Bosques del Norte educational institution, since the beginning of this year they have been implementing the regulation of cell phones, even during breaks. And during the presentation, students told us that they see how they are sharing more, interacting more with each other, they no longer turn to the cell phone to look for an answer to certain questions, but rather take the time to think while looking for an answer. In other words, here in this educational institution that serves as a model, the results are evident, very positive," said Councilman Marín. The councilman acknowledged that there will likely be controversy at the beginning over the decision, but he emphasized that it is an initiative that seeks the well-being of minors, even extending the measures to the family environment. Is it time to reevaluate the use of cell phones and social media in schools? Photo: iStock "What really matters here is a process of willingness and that it can also be replicated in homes. The decree invites co-responsibility so that parents also give us a hand in that regard, not only with their example, but also by teaching and educating the child on when to use or not use cell phones," he pointed out. It is worth highlighting that the Ministry of Education of Manizales will evaluate the impact of the measure on academic performance and school climate after its first year of implementation, that is, in 2028. YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: A foreigner was walking through Chapinero when two men Photo: Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. 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