Costa Rica Considers Banning Cell Phones During School Recess

Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Education (MEP) has initiated the 2026 academic year with a new regulation banning cell phone use within classrooms. This measure aims to foster a more focused learning environment and address concerns about digital distractions and the misuse of anonymity.

Following the implementation of the classroom ban, Education Minister Leonardo Sánchez Hernández has indicated that the ministry is now evaluating the possibility of extending similar restrictions to school recess periods. This potential expansion of the policy suggests a broader effort to manage the role of mobile devices in students' daily school lives.

The MEP's decision to prohibit cell phones in classrooms at the beginning of the academic year was driven by a desire for transparency and to curb the spread of misinformation or disruptive content facilitated by digital platforms. The ministry seeks to ensure that educational spaces are conducive to learning and free from the potential negative impacts of constant connectivity.

Minister Sánchez Hernández's openness to considering a ban during recess periods signifies a comprehensive approach to student behavior and technology use within school grounds. The MEP will continue to analyze the implications and benefits of such a policy before making a final decision on extending the cell phone restrictions beyond the classroom.