The recent sanction of the law that limits 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, primary and secondary education), seeks to balance students' digital training with a more focused and interactive environment.
In this article, we explain the main changes in the new law on cell phone use at school and show how institutions can use technological solutions to ensure compliance with the rules and optimize the school environment.
What does the new law determine?
The law sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva prohibits the use of cell phones during classes, breaks, recess and extracurricular activities. The use of devices will only be permitted in specific situations, such as:
- Pedagogical or didactic activities , under the guidance of the teacher.
- Guarantee of accessibility and inclusion of students with specific needs.
- Emergencies , such as health problems or a state of need.
The law comes into force 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 guidelines by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
In the coming days, inspection criteria and punishments will be established for schools that fail to comply with the standard.
Why was the law created?
The main justification is to protect the mental and physical health of children and adolescents, in addition to improving academic performance. Data from the PISA 2022 report shows that:
- Students who spend more than five hours a day online scored, on average, 49 points lower in math than those who use devices for up to an hour.
- In Brazil, 80% of students reported distractions during classes , compared to 18% in Japan and 32% in South Korea.
Furthermore, excessive consumption of social media is associated with anxiety disorders, depression and other mental health problems. According to UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report , one in four countries in the world already prohibits the use of cell phones in schools. The list includes France, a pioneer in the topic, Spain, Greece, Finland, Switzerland and Mexico.
Challenges for schools
The implementation of the new law requires institutions to adapt their practices and infrastructure, facing challenges such as:
- Monitoring device usage to ensure compliance with rules.
- Blocking inappropriate content , such as social networks and games.
- Access management to allow the use of devices in educational activities or in situations of need.
- Guarantee of inclusion and accessibility for students with disabilities or special conditions.
How to 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 on cell phone use in schools. Here's how:
- Internet access control
- Block social media, games and other distracting websites.
- Only allow access to pedagogical tools and educational platforms.
- Configure custom usage policies for each user group, such as teachers and students.
- Real-time monitoring
- Monitor network traffic to identify inappropriate usage and act quickly.
- Receive automatic alerts about activities that are not permitted.
- Detailed reports
- Monitor 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, laboratories and administration.
- Digital education
- Promote awareness about the responsible use of technology, encouraging a balance between digital and in-person interactions.
Cell phone use policy in schools
The creation of a cell phone use policy is essential to comply with the new law on cell phone use in schools. This policy must include clear guidelines on when and how devices can be used, in addition to inspection criteria and disciplinary measures, in accordance with Law No. 15,100/2025. To make things easier, check out a model document on Cell Phone Use Policy in Schools.
Internet access control solution for schools
Thinking about 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.
- Protect students from inappropriate content and distractions.
- Ensure 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 to promote a more focused and productive educational environment. However, its implementation requires significant changes in school practices and infrastructure to comply with the law on 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 and, at the same time, improve the digital experience of students and teachers.
