UNESCO calls for technology to serve people, urges regulation of digital devices

Technology must be harnessed to benefit humanity, not dominate it, according to Andrés Morales Arciniegas, UNESCO's representative in Mexico. Speaking at a press conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Arciniegas stressed that technology's role should be supportive of human needs and well-being.

He highlighted technology's potential to enrich the educational experience, provided its integration into schools is guided by clear ethical principles that uphold the right to education. Arciniegas noted the unprecedented pace of technological advancement, from the internet and social media to smartphones and generative artificial intelligence, which are transforming learning, teaching, and communication.

However, these advancements present significant challenges to the physical, mental, and socio-emotional welfare of children and adolescents, as well as their privacy and personal data. Reflecting a global shift, regulations on digital device usage in schools have surged. In 2023, only 24% of countries had national regulations for mobile phones in schools; by 2026, this figure rose to 58%, encompassing 114 educational systems.

Arciniegas urged that any regulation of digital devices must be coupled with digital literacy strategies. He underscored the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, involving authorities, educators, students, families, and technology companies in the ongoing discussions about regulating social media and digital device use.