Madrid puts a stop to screens in classrooms
The Community of Madrid has decided to set limits on screen use in the earliest stages of education. The new decree, which will come into effect in the 2025/26 academic year, introduces strict regulations on the individual use of digital devices in preschool and primary school, although it will not apply equally to all schools.
Goodbye to individual tablets in primary school
In public and private schools, students will no longer be allowed to use tablets or laptops individually. Screen use will be restricted to shared and pedagogically justified activities. Furthermore, teachers will not be allowed to assign homework that requires screens outside of school hours .
The restriction also has a schedule: no screens in the first cycle of Preschool (0-3 years), only one hour per week in the second cycle (3-6 years) and in 1st and 2nd grade of Primary, an hour and a half in 3rd and 4th grade, and up to two hours per week in the last two years.
Madrid puts a stop to screens in classrooms: who is affected and what are the exceptions
Exceptions and special cases
In secondary education (ESO), the decision rests with each school. They may freely decide whether to allow the use of devices, adapting to the maturity of the students and the type of subjects being taught. Exceptions are also contemplated: students with special needs may continue to use tablets or computers if a psychopedagogical report so recommends.
The use of technology is also permitted in specific subjects where it is essential, such as digital projects, robotics, or certain electives.
Private schools, on the sidelines
The regulations do not affect private schools, although the Community of Madrid encourages them to establish their own criteria regarding the use of technology in the classroom. This creates an unequal situation, where children will receive a very different experience depending on the type of school they attend.
