TECHNOLOGY
Chilean school could offer the world a smartphone ban blueprint
The use of smartphones by schoolchildren and in classrooms has been a subject of considerable debate worldwide. Photo: People Images/Shutterstock
A little-known public school in Santiago’s wealthy Lo Barnechea district has become the focus of local, national and even international attention. Three weeks ago, the Bicentenario school introduced a policy banning cellphones on its premises, locking them in portable signal-blocking cases that can only be opened once classes end for the day.
The test case is unprecedented in Chile, though similar experiments have been tried elsewhere as part of a broader push to promote face-to-face interaction, sustained focus and other basic skills many believe have been eroded by the digital era…
🔒 This was a free preview; the rest is behind our paywall
Don’t miss out! Upgrade to unlock full access. The process takes only seconds with Apple Pay or Stripe. Become a member.
Why you should subscribe
We’re here for readers who want to truly understand Brazil and Latin America — a region too often ignored or misrepresented by the international media.
Since 2017, our reporting has been powered by paid subscribers. They’re the reason we can keep a full-time team of 10 journalists across Brazil and Argentina, delivering sharp, independent coverage every day.
If you value our work, subscribing is the best way to keep it going — and growing.
Interested in advertising with us? Get in touch.
Need a special report? We can do it.
Have an idea for an article or column? Pitch us
