SAO PAULO — The President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has enacted legislation aimed at limiting smartphone use in schools, aligning with a growing global movement toward similar restrictions. This new law will take effect in February and applies to both elementary and high school students across the nation. Its main objective is to establish guidelines that permit smartphone use only in emergency situations, for educational purposes, or for students with disabilities who rely on such devices.
During a private ceremony at the presidential palace in Brasilia, Lula emphasized the importance of prioritizing human interaction over technology, stating, “We cannot allow humanism to be replaced by algorithms.” He expressed that the new legislation recognizes the dedication of educators and caretakers who strive to safeguard the well-being of children and adolescents in Brazil.
According to a report from Fundacao Getulio Vargas, Brazil is witnessing a major surge in smartphone ownership with 258 million devices for a population of 203 million. Local studies reveal that the average Brazilian spends over nine hours daily on screens, ranking among the highest globally in screen time. Education Minister Camilo Santana noted that children are gaining access to the internet at increasingly younger ages, complicating parental oversight. He asserted that restricting smartphone use in classrooms would ultimately benefit children.
The legislation has garnered unusual support across the political spectrum, receiving approval from both allies of Lula and his adversary, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Additionally, many parents and students are in favor of the restrictions. A recent Datafolha poll indicated that nearly 66% of those surveyed support prohibiting smartphones among school-aged children, with over 75% believing these devices pose more risks than benefits to youngsters.
Ricardo Martins Ramos, a 43-year-old father of two, supports the restriction, stating that while cell phones can be useful for academic research, their social usage is detrimental. He believes that limiting phone access will enhance personal interactions among students. His daughter, Isabela, age 13, validated this sentiment, sharing that her peers often find it challenging to concentrate in class due to their smartphones. Although she agrees with the restrictions, she feels additional measures are necessary to address other issues like bullying.
As of 2023, two-thirds of Brazilian schools have some limits on mobile phone use, with 28% having outright bans, as per a study by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee. Some states, including Rio de Janeiro, Maranhao, and Goias, have already implemented local laws to prohibit smartphones in educational settings, though enforcement remains a challenge.
Discussions are underway in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most populous state, regarding a similar ban in both public and private schools. Gabriele Alexandra Henriques Pinheiro, a 25-year-old mother of a child with autism, supports the restrictions but believes that adult misuse of smartphones sets a poor example for children.
For years, stakeholders, including parents and educational institutions, have linked children’s smartphone use to negative outcomes such as bullying, anxiety, and a decline in learning capacity. In response to these concerns, countries like China have moved to limit children’s smartphone use, while France has instituted bans for children aged six to 15.
The trend of restricting mobile phone use is also gaining momentum in the United States, where eight states have enacted regulations to curb student access to phones and minimize distractions in classrooms. Parents in Europe are increasingly anxious about smartphone usage among young children and its implications for their safety and mental well-being.
A recent UNESCO report indicated that one in four countries has implemented measures to limit smartphone use in schools. During a U.S. Senate hearing last year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg publicly acknowledged the concerns of parents about the potential dangers of social media for their children. He emphasized Meta’s ongoing commitment to investing in initiatives intended to protect young users from harm.
