On Monday (January 13), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a law that restricts the use of portable electronic devices, especially mobile phones, in classrooms of public and private schools across the country. The legislation was approved by Congress at the end of last year.
Supported by the federal government and experts, the project gained broad consensus in the Legislative, bringing together parties from both the ruling coalition and the opposition. “This sanction represents the recognition of the efforts of all those dedicated to education, as well as those devoted to the well-being of children and adolescents in this country,” said the president, who took the opportunity to praise lawmakers for their role in approving the measure.
“Imagine a teacher giving a lesson, and when she looks at the students, each one is on their phone — one in China, another in Sweden, another in Japan, and yet another in another state, talking to people unrelated to the class. We need to refocus on humanism, ensuring that it is not replaced by algorithms,” emphasized Lula while commenting on the new law.
Renan Ferreirinha, the municipal secretary of Education of Rio de Janeiro and a licensed federal deputy, was the author of the project in the Chamber of Deputies. He described it as one of the greatest victories for Brazilian education this century. “You can’t have a student in the classroom scrolling through TikTok or social media while the teacher is teaching. Every time a student receives a notification, it’s as if they leave the classroom,” he said.
Restrictions
According to the Minister of Education, Camilo Santana, the law restricts the use of devices in classrooms and during breaks for personal purposes. However, exceptions are allowed for pedagogical activities under the supervision of the teacher or for individuals who need devices for technological accessibility or health needs.
“We are not against access to technology — there is no going back in today’s world. However, we want this technology, this tool, to be used appropriately, especially during the critical developmental stages of children and adolescents,” said the minister.
Source: Agência Brasil