The Chilean Parliament has passed a bill banning the use of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools, making the country one of a growing number of nations regulating smartphone use in educational institutions. The bill, supported by President Gabriel Boric, was passed by the Chamber of Deputies by a large majority. According to the text, the measure will come into effect next March and will apply to all public and private primary and secondary schools. Education Minister Nicolas Catrillo described the use of mobile phones in classrooms as "an out-of-control plague," considering it "one of the main epidemics affecting children."
