Brazilian students have returned to school this week facing a new challenge: adhering to a new law that restricts smartphone use in educational settings. The legislation, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in January, applies to both public and private schools across the country, encompassing classrooms and hallways.
While the law permits smartphone usage for educational purposes with teacher approval and for students' accessibility and health needs, schools have the authority to establish their own specific guidelines. These guidelines may include whether students can keep phones in backpacks, store them in lockers, or place them in designated baskets.
Prior to the federal law, many of Brazil's states had already implemented measures to limit phone use in schools. A survey conducted by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee revealed that by 2023, nearly two-thirds of Brazilian schools had some form of restrictions, with 28% completely banning smartphones.
The lack of uniformity in rules between states and schools, along with challenges in enforcement, prompted widespread support for federal legislation from various political factions. A survey conducted by Datafolha indicated that almost two-thirds of respondents favored banning smartphone use by children and teenagers in schools, with over three-quarters believing that such devices have a negative impact on children.
One school in Sao Paulo, Porto Seguro, implemented a ban on smartphones in classrooms last year and extended it to hallways this year. The principal noted that the ban has improved student concentration and reduced social isolation, fostering face-to-face interactions and conflict resolution skills.
The Ministry of Education in Brazil stated that the restriction aims to safeguard students' mental and physical well-being while promoting a more balanced use of technology. With more smartphones than people in the country, concerns about excessive screen time and its effects on children's health and learning have been growing.
Similar initiatives to limit smartphone use in schools have been observed globally, with countries like China and France implementing restrictions. In the United States, several states have passed laws or policies to curb student phone access and minimize distractions in classrooms.
Despite initial challenges, students like Mariana at Porto Seguro have found benefits in disconnecting from smartphones, such as improved focus, enhanced relationships with family, and increased social interactions. The restriction has encouraged alternative forms of entertainment and communication, leading to a more balanced and engaging school environment.
