Starting this week, students in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, will face new limits on how much time they can spend on phones, tablets, computers and televisions during the school day. The city’s Department of Education formally introduced the rule through Resolution 1037 of 2026, part of a broader initiative called “(Re)conectarnos para aprender” — roughly, “Reconnecting to Learn.”
The policy is designed to curb digital distractions that officials say have been interfering with learning among children and teenagers. It applies across the board, covering both public and private schools throughout the city, meaning virtually every student in Bogotá will be affected in some way.
While the announcement confirms that device use will be restricted during class time, it does not specify a single blanket rule for every student. According to related reporting, the time limits are expected to vary depending on the age of the student, recognizing that younger children and older teenagers may need different approaches to screen use.
The move reflects growing concern among educators and policymakers worldwide about the impact of smartphones and screens on attention spans and academic performance in schools. Bogotá’s education authorities frame the resolution as an effort to help students refocus on in-person learning rather than digital devices.
For the full breakdown of how the restrictions will work, read the original article at El Tiempo.
Source: Abecé | Así funcionará la restricción de celulares y pantallas en colegios de Bogotá (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: Mushlya / Boundless.com.