Andrés Morales Arciniegas, UNESCO representative in Mexico, stated that “technology must be at the service of people and not the other way around.” He declared it during the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum, at the National Palace.
“Technology can enrich the educational experience as long as its implementation in schools is guided by clear ethical principles and contributes to guaranteeing the right to education.”
Morales pointed out that the unprecedented technological acceleration—the Internet, social networks, generative artificial intelligence—transforms the way we learn, teach and communicate. However, it also poses challenges to the physical, mental and socio-emotional well-being of children and young people, as well as risks to their privacy and personal data.
Global regulation on the rise
The representative explained that in 2023, only 24% of countries had some national regulation on the use of cell phones in schools. By 2026, the figure rose to 58%, which is equivalent to 114 educational systems.
Any regulation, he stressed, must be accompanied by digital literacy strategies. The discussion, he added, must involve authorities, teachers, students, families and technology companies.
The initiative seeks not only to improve education, but also to protect young people in an increasingly complex digital environment.
