Schools in Chile Shut Down Screens to Bring Students Back to Reality

Schools in Chile Shut Down Screens to Bring Students Back to Reality

A growing number of schools in Chile are adopting new measures to limit students’ mobile phone use during school hours, as concerns mount over screen addiction and its impact on social interaction and learning.

At a school in Santiago, administrators have begun using magnetic cases and signal-blocking methods to prevent students from accessing their devices during class. The initiative, first introduced on a trial basis, has already shown promising results in reducing distractions and encouraging students to engage more directly with teachers and peers.

“We’ve noticed students talking to each other more, paying greater attention in class, and participating in activities without constantly checking their phones,” a school official told local media.

Following early success, the program is being expanded to more grades, sparking a national conversation about the role of smartphones in education. Advocates argue that restrictions are necessary to improve focus, mental health, and interpersonal skills, while critics warn that cutting off access could limit students’ ability to use phones for legitimate educational purposes.

Chile’s move reflects a broader international debate, as countries around the world consider how to balance the benefits of digital tools with growing evidence of their negative effects on children’s concentration, sleep, and well-being.

For many educators and parents, the Santiago pilot could serve as a blueprint for tackling screen dependency in schools.