As the school year resumed in Brazil, students faced a novel challenge: refraining from smartphone use due to newly implemented legislation. In January, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a law limiting smartphone usage in educational settings, resonating with similar initiatives seen in the U.S. and Europe. Both public and private institutions must comply, covering all school premises. Exceptions are made for educational purposes or when phones are essential for accessibility and health, under the teacher’s discretion.
This federal law aligns with previous restrictions already imposed by most of Brazil's 26 states, including prominent ones like Rio de Janeiro, Maranhão, and Goiás. A 2023 survey by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee showed that nearly two-thirds of schools had some form of mobile phone rule, with 28% opting for a total ban. However, enforcement varied, prompting the need for a standardized national approach.
Cross-party support in Brazil for this legislation is notable, given its endorsement by factions from former President Jair Bolsonaro to the current administration. A Datafolha poll indicates that almost two-thirds of Brazilians advocate for banning smartphones in schools, with over 75% believing these gadgets are increasingly detrimental to their children's well-being.
The renowned Porto Seguro school in São Paulo has already embraced this change, extending their phone ban from classrooms to hallways and requiring students to store devices in lockers throughout the day. Students faced challenges in concentration and were prone to social isolation, school principal Meire Nocito explained. Minimizing phone use has promoted social interaction, friendships, and essential conflict resolution skills.
The Brazilian Ministry of Education supports these measures, emphasizing their role in safeguarding students’ mental and physical health while encouraging moderate technology use. Statistics highlight Brazil's smartphone saturation, with 258 million devices in a country of 203 million people, marking one of the highest screen time averages globally.
Smartphones have long been linked to issues such as bullying, anxiety, and diminished focus. Countries like China and France have enacted similar school bans, underscoring a global push towards limiting devices in educational environments. In the U.S., several states have enacted laws to mitigate classroom distractions caused by cellphones.
Globally, parents and educators are increasingly concerned about the impact of smartphones on young people's safety and mental health. A recent UNESCO report highlighted that one in four countries has enacted policies to restrict mobile device use in schools.
Pushing boundaries in digital etiquette, teenage student Mariana Waetge from Porto Seguro shared her experiences of adapting to this new reality. Being away from my phone made me engage more with peers, enhancing focus and strengthening family bonds, she noted. The regulation also created opportunities for students typically reliant on their phones to socialize through games and reading.
This policy signifies Brazil's commitment to nurturing student interaction, wellbeing, and academic focus, reflecting broader global conversations about the role of technology in education.