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Original article: Cuatro meses sin celulares en la sala y el recreo: Profesores destacan avances en concentración y convivencia escolar

During the winter vacation period and four months after the enactment of Law 21.801, which regulates and restricts the use of electronic mobile devices in schools and high schools, the Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) conducted an initial assessment of the effects of this measure across classrooms in the country.

The university stated that the feedback from teachers and educational authorities has been «largely positive,» although it is believed that «more evidence is still needed to precisely measure the impact of the measure on learning processes.»

Marcela Jarpa, director of the PUCV School of Education, affirmed that, overall, the measure is achieving its goal by guiding the use of cell phones strictly for academic activities and enhancing concentration during classes.

«In the short term, we see an increased attention span, and students report feeling more focused, but to observe a broader impact, further measurements should be taken in schools. It would also be beneficial to ask parents how they perceive the depth of notes and assignments,» emphasized the educator.

It should be noted that, according to the law, the use of devices is only permitted as an educational tool when incorporated into specific activities by the teacher.

In this context, the professor remarked, «It would be beneficial for teachers to plan the use of technological means in advance and encourage collaborative work between students and teachers. Outdoor and ecological education provides an excellent opportunity for this, as well as working within local environments and communities.»

Teachers’ Perspectives

To comply with the regulation that prohibits cell phone use, classrooms must be equipped with furniture or cabinets designated for students to store their phones at the beginning of each day, organized by list number.

While any change involves an adaptation period, educators report that the implementation has not caused significant difficulties, and positive effects are already noticeable in both student behavior and learning.

Natalia Santander, a mathematics teacher for seventh through twelfth grades, noted that the measure has not faced opposition from students or parents since its inception.

«There is undoubtedly more concentration, and it’s very noticeable that during breaks, children play, run, and converse more. Even older students participate in activities like volleyball, ping pong, or foosball. Previously, everyone would stay outside the classrooms playing with electronic devices,» shared the teacher.

However, she added that some students—mainly in the twelfth grade—still seek opportunities to use their mobile devices, sometimes claiming it’s to listen to music.

Meanwhile, Noelia Besares, an English teacher in secondary education, emphasized the need to strengthen teachers’ commitment to ensure the measure’s compliance, as not everyone enforces the requirement to store cell phones at the start of classes.

Nevertheless, she pointed out that the changes have been evident, «and in some cases, students themselves have acknowledged that they understand the subjects better without their phones. Additionally, conflicts and cyberbullying have decreased,» emphasized the educator.

We will continue to provide updates.

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