Mexico City Limits Cellphone Use in Schools, Mandates Baby Changing Station in Men’s Bathrooms

BySandra Hernández García

This article by Sandra Hernández García originally appeared in the May 22, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

The Mexico City Congress accelerated the discussion of delayed rulings with the approval of a dozen reforms, among which the elimination of the law that allowed the use of cell phones in public schools by students and the installation of baby changing stations in men’s restrooms stand out.

Ten days before the end of the ordinary session, six harmonizations to laws and four reforms were approved yesterday, one in the area of ​​education to promote digital learning through the responsible use of information technologies, and the authorization that allowed the use of mobile devices and internet browsing during effective class hours was repealed, in accordance with federal law.

“We have a responsibility to warn and resist, we have an obligation to bear the costs of correct but unpopular decisions,” said Deputy Laura Álvarez (PAN), who cited UNESCO data indicating that 75 percent of teachers believe that students are constantly distracted by their cell phones in class.

Another approved reform aims for equal care, as the Law of Commercial Establishments was modified so that medium and high impact establishments have baby changing facilities in all their restrooms.

According to the legislators, these items are only found in women’s restrooms, since it is socially considered that women are in charge of childcare.

“Currently, fathers, grandparents, and uncles also care for and accompany babies and have the right to have adequate spaces to care for them. This reform helps break down gender stereotypes, promotes substantive equality, and strengthens shared responsibility in raising children, always prioritizing the best interests of the child,” said Representative Yuriri Ayala (Morena).

A reform was also approved to punish phishing with six years in prison, a deceptive practice that consists of creating seemingly legitimate internet pages to steal personal and financial data.

In another reform, the creation of the Sports Secretariat was approved, which will have the power to guarantee the right to physical culture and sports, promote physical activity and healthy habits.

Subsequently, the committee approved the bill creating the Mexico City Care System Law, which stipulated that the allocated budget must increase annually. The aim is to guarantee universal access to care and its redistribution so that it is a task shared by both women and men.