Country bans phones in schools with new ‘absolutely necessary’ law

Brazil has banned mobile phones in both public and private schools throughout the entire day in a bid to rebuild human connection. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the measure was “absolutely necessary” because “humans are born to live in community” and need “hugs, looks, and attention.”

During the law signing yesterday (January 13), Mr Lula da Silva criticised mothers who give mobile phones to their children to stop them from crying instead of comforting them. 

“I have seen cases where a child starts crying at two years old, and instead of the mother picking them up so that the comfort of her body could make the child stop crying, she simply gives the child a mobile phone. It’s something cold. This inhumane behaviour is being used by humans,” said the President during a closed event at the Palácio do Planalto.

The law was enacted on Monday which follows other countries such as Spain and France in banning phones for children while at school.

However, the president’s forbidding of devices goes further than educational premises. He has prevented his ministers and other officials from participating in official meetings with their phones. He says they “distract” users, just like in schools.

The new law, approved by Parliament late last year, includes some exceptions and stipulates that mobile phones may be used by students in schools for “pedagogical purposes” under teacher supervision.

The regulation will come into effect in the current academic year after the proposal was symbolically approved in the Senate in December, after receiving support from the Ministry of Education (MEC).

The ban will apply across all basic education levels, including preschool, primary, and secondary education. Over the next 15 days, the government will announce rules for implementing and monitoring the law. MEC ensures the measures are enacted by launching a campaign between January and March this year. 

The first month aims to focus on engaging managers and teachers through online seminars, mental health courses, and distribution of practical guides.

In February, the focus will shift to involving families and educators through meetings, thematic guides, and lesson plans. In March, actions will concentrate on students with support for student unions and specific educational activities.