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Bolivia's School Phone Ban: What Schools Need to Know in 2026
Yes, in the classroom. Since the 2026 school year began on 2 February, Ministerial Resolution 001/2026 bans phones during lessons for students and teachers in all public, private and agreement schools. It does not cover breaks.
The rule is in the Education Ministry's Ministerial Resolution 001/2026, the general rules for the 2026 school year. It strictly prohibits phones in the classroom during lessons, for both students and teachers, in all fiscal, private and convenio schools. Computers and classroom screens used for teaching remain allowed. Reports say phones can be used during breaks.
The ministry announced the rules in early January 2026, alongside 10 other restrictions, such as ending kindergarten and primary graduation ceremonies. They took effect when the school year began on 2 February 2026. District and departmental education authorities supervise compliance. The same resolution asks schools to strengthen reading and handwriting using paper texts.
Each unidad educativa enforces the rule through its internal regulations and existing discipline procedures. Teachers who break it face the existing teaching-staff disciplinary code. Some reports say phones are kept at the head's office until the end of the day, but others say no collection is required, so practice varies. A ministry official said the aim is to avoid interruptions to teaching.
Whatever Resolution 001/2026 requires, lockable pouches let students keep their own phone, locked, from the first bell to the last, so unidades educativas do not collect, store or answer for devices. Before The Internet ships lockable phone pouches and unlocking bases worldwide, including to Bolivia, and can print the school's name or crest on them. Schools buy them outright: one price, no subscription, lease or per-student annual licence. Send us your student numbers and any written quote you already have, and we will beat it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bolivia's ban cover breaks?
No. Resolution 001/2026 bans phones in the classroom during lessons. Schools can set stricter rules in their internal regulations.
Does the rule apply to teachers?
Yes. Teachers may not use phones during lessons, and breaches fall under the existing teacher disciplinary code.
Does it apply to private schools?
Yes. It covers fiscal, private and convenio schools across the regular education system.
Related reading
School phone bans by country · Phone-free schools toolkit · How to roll out phone pouches in a school
Written by the team at Before The Internet, a Toronto-based phone-free company that rents lockable phone pouches for events across North America and sells them to schools and venues worldwide, shipping purchases to any country.
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