In a move to improve educational outcomes and student well-being, Brazil has implemented a nationwide ban on smartphone use in elementary and high schools. This legislation, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in January 2025, restricts smartphone usage during both class and break times, permitting exceptions only for educational purposes, emergencies, or health-related needs.
Prior to this federal mandate, various Brazilian states, including Rio de Janeiro, Maranhão, and Goiás, had already imposed local restrictions on smartphone use in schools. However, inconsistent enforcement led to limited effectiveness. A 2023 survey by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee revealed that while approximately two-thirds of Brazilian schools had some form of cellphone restriction, only 28% enforced a complete ban.
The new law aims to address concerns that excessive smartphone use contributes to issues such as bullying, anxiety, and decreased concentration among students. By limiting access to these devices, educators hope to foster a more engaging and interactive learning environment. Renan Ferreirinha, Rio de Janeiro’s municipal education secretary, noted that post-pandemic classrooms saw students who were “more agitated, more impatient, more addicted to cell phones and much more anxious.”
Educators have already observed positive changes resulting from the ban. At the Reverend Martin Luther King public school in Rio de Janeiro, Deputy Director Fernanda Heitor reported that prior to the ban, students often isolated themselves during breaks, engrossed in their phones. Now, she observes increased interaction and playfulness among students, stating, “It’s transformed the school. It’s become much happier, much more lively.”
This initiative aligns Brazil with a global trend of regulating smartphone use in educational settings. Countries such as France have implemented similar bans for children aged six to 15, and several U.S. states have enacted laws to curb student phone access to minimize distractions in classrooms.
While the law has garnered broad political support and aligns with public sentiment, some experts caution against a one-size-fits-all approach. Fabio Campos, an education and technology specialist, emphasized the importance of teaching responsible technology use, noting that many Brazilian students have limited access to technology outside of school. He stated, “If this means that schools will become less technological, it is a failure.”
Parents are also encouraged to monitor and set boundaries for their children’s smartphone use at home to reinforce the benefits of the school ban. As students adapt to these changes, many are rediscovering the value of face-to-face interactions and the joys of traditional play, leading to a more cohesive and focused educational experience.
