Schools in Brazil have the autonomy to establish their own guidelines regarding the use of cell phones by students. Before the federal law, the majority of the 26 states in the country, including Rio de Janeiro, Maranhão, and Goiás, had already approved measures restricting the use of cell phones in schools. This year, the prohibition has been expanded in some locations to include hallways, requiring students to keep their devices in lockers for the entire school day.
The principal of a school, Meire Nocito, pointed out that students had difficulties concentrating due to excessive phone use. Local research shows that Brazilians spend about nine hours daily on their cell phones, which is among the highest rates globally.
Various countries have implemented similar bans aiming to address issues such as bullying, anxiety, and lack of concentration. Some institutions in Brazil have already experienced positive results by restricting cell phone use, leading to greater social interaction among students.
Globally, China and France have also banned the use of cell phones in schools. In the United States, several state laws seek to limit students' access to these devices to reduce distractions in classrooms. In Europe, parents have expressed concern about the impact of cell phone use on the safety and mental health of children.
In Brazil, the prohibition of cell phones has also gained traction. A survey revealed that the majority of respondents supported the idea of banning the use of these devices in schools. Porto Seguro, a private school in São Paulo, has already implemented this measure and encourages students to completely disconnect once a week.
The new federal law in Brazil, enacted by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in January, establishes restrictions on the use of cell phones in all schools, both public and private. Although phones can still be used for educational purposes with the teacher's permission, the regulation aims to promote healthier social interaction among students and reduce distractions during the learning process.
