Brazil Moves to Place Ban on Mobile Phones in Primary, Secondary Schools

Brazil’s Congress has approved legislation to ban mobile phone use in primary and secondary schools, pending the signature of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

The law aims to mitigate the negative effects of mobile devices on the health and education of children and teenagers.

Education Minister Camilo Santana expressed support for the measure, stating that restricting mobile device use in schools is a necessary step. An independent study revealed that over half of Brazilian children aged 10-13 own mobile phones, with ownership rising to 87.6% among teenagers aged 14-17.

Currently, nearly two-thirds of Brazilian schools impose some restrictions on mobile phone use, although only 28% enforce a complete ban. A recent survey by the Locomotiva Institute found that 82% of Brazilian parents favor prohibiting mobile phones in educational settings. If enacted, the law will prohibit students from using mobile devices during school hours, promoting a healthier learning environment.