The recent enactment of the law limiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices in public and private schools in Brazil has brought a series of challenges and opportunities for educational institutions. The measure, which applies to basic education (preschool, elementary and high school), seeks to balance students' digital education with a more focused and interactive environment.
In this article, we explain the main changes in the new law regarding cell phone use in schools and show how institutions can use technological solutions to ensure compliance with the rules and optimize the school environment.
What does the new law stipulate?
The law signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva prohibits the use of cell phones during classes, breaks, recess, and extracurricular activities. The use of these devices will only be permitted in specific situations, such as:
- Educational or didactic activities , under the guidance of a teacher.
- Guaranteeing accessibility and inclusion for students with specific needs.
- Emergencies , such as health problems or states of need.
The law comes into effect from the date of publication, January 13, and must be regulated within 30 days. At the beginning of the 2025 school year, there will be a gradual implementation schedule, including the creation of guidelines and orientations by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
In the coming days, criteria for monitoring and penalties will be established for schools that fail to comply with the rule.
Why was the law created?
The main rationale is to protect the mental and physical health of children and adolescents, as well as to improve academic performance. Data from the PISA 2022 report show that:
- Students who spend more than five hours a day online scored, on average, 49 points lower in mathematics than those who use devices for up to one hour.
- In Brazil, 80% of students reported distractions during class , compared to 18% in Japan and 32% in South Korea.
Furthermore, excessive social media use is associated with anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health problems. According to UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report , one in four countries worldwide already bans the use of cell phones in schools. The list includes France, a pioneer in this area, Spain, Greece, Finland, Switzerland, and Mexico.
Challenges for schools
Implementing the new law requires institutions to adapt their practices and infrastructure, facing challenges such as:
- Monitoring device usage to ensure compliance with the rules.
- Blocking inappropriate content , such as social media and games.
- Access management to allow the use of devices in educational activities or in situations of need.
- Guaranteeing inclusion and accessibility for students with disabilities or special needs.
How can we optimize control and monitoring in schools?
With the help of internet access control , schools can overcome these challenges and create a safer and more productive digital environment that complies with the law regarding cell phone use in schools. Here's how:
- Internet access control
- Block social media, games, and other distracting websites.
- Allow access only to pedagogical tools and educational platforms.
- Configure customized usage policies for each user group, such as teachers and students.
- Real-time monitoring
- Monitor network traffic to identify inappropriate uses and act quickly.
- Receive automatic alerts about unauthorized activities.
- Detailed reports
- Track reports that show students' internet usage patterns.
- Use this data to adjust policies and align with legal requirements.
- Network segmentation
- Use the Segment53 to segment networks, applying specific rules to areas such as classrooms, labs, and administration.
- Digital education
- Promote awareness about the responsible use of technology, encouraging a balance between digital and face-to-face interactions.
Cell phone use policy in schools
Creating a cell phone use policy is essential for complying with the new law on cell phone use in schools. This policy should include clear guidelines on when and how devices can be used, as well as monitoring criteria and disciplinary measures, in accordance with Law No. 15.100/2025. To make it easier, check out a sample document on Cell Phone Use Policy in Schools.
The template is fully customizable, allowing each institution to adapt the guidelines to its specific needs and reality. It can include rules focused on the pedagogical use of devices, and guidance for parents and guardians. This flexibility ensures that the document is a practical and efficient tool for promoting a balanced and organized educational environment, while respecting current legislation.
Internet access control solution for schools
Considering the needs of educational institutions, it is essential to implement measures that guarantee a safe and productive digital environment. This includes:
- Comply with the legal requirements of the new law.
- Protecting students from inappropriate content and distractions.
- To guarantee inclusion and accessibility , meeting the specific needs of each student.
- Simplify school network management with an intuitive interface and advanced features.
Compliance and innovation in schools
The new law represents a milestone in promoting a more focused and productive educational environment. However, its implementation requires significant changes in school practices and infrastructure to comply with the law regarding cell phone use in schools. Internet access control tools make this process simpler and more efficient, helping institutions transform challenges into growth opportunities. With control, security, and flexibility, it is possible to ensure compliance with the law while simultaneously enhancing the digital experience for students and teachers.
