Paraguay Senate amends school cell phone bill to "prohibit" devices

Paraguay's Senate has passed a modified bill concerning mobile phone use in educational institutions, shifting the legislative focus from "regulation" to "prohibition" of smartphones for students and teachers. The bill, originally from the Chamber of Deputies, was returned with amendments proposed by the Technology Commission, notably changing the core language to "prohibit."

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the proposal already does not contemplate an unrestricted prohibition of smartphones for students, teachers, school parents and officials, but rather an open regulation to education with technology and numerous exceptions.

Despite the stronger wording, the legislation maintains significant flexibility, leaving the final rules to each individual school. This approach acknowledges the trend in other countries to restrict device use but also incorporates numerous exceptions and allows for the integration of technology in education. The debate in the Senate highlighted differing views, with some senators advocating for a complete ban, while others, like Senator Celeste Amarilla, argued that such matters should be handled by the Ministry of Education and Sciences rather than Congress.

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by prohibiting, technology will not be stopped, but through education.

Senator Hermelinda Alvarenga, head of the Education Commission, clarified that the bill does not impose an outright ban, contrary to some interpretations. She explained that the approved version allows for open regulation focused on educational technology. This nuanced approach comes after initial proposals in the Chamber of Deputies for a total prohibition were softened due to pressure from parent associations. The bill now returns to the Chamber of Deputies for further consideration, with the ultimate implementation resting on the discretion of each school.

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this debate does not correspond to a law of Congress, but to a regulation of the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC).