Smartphone Bans in Brazilian Schools: A Policy Shift Worth Discussing

In a move that’s sparked national conversation, Brazil recently enacted a federal law restricting smartphone use during the school day. While some hail it as a necessary step to curb distraction and promote mental health, others question whether banning phones is enough—or the right approach.

For students across Brazil, particularly those in underfunded schools or vulnerable communities, this shift presents both challenges and opportunities. At G&N Foundation, we believe it’s a moment worth examining closely—because how we manage technology in education directly affects equity, engagement, and student wellbeing.

Why Was the Ban Introduced?

The smartphone ban is a response to growing concerns among educators, parents, and policymakers about the negative effects of screen time on learning. Studies globally and in Brazil show that excessive phone use during school hours is associated with:

• Reduced attention and retention

• Increased anxiety, especially tied to social media

• Sleep disturbances in adolescents

• Academic underperformance

• Cyberbullying and distraction in class
  

The legislation does not completely outlaw phones in schools—it limits their use to educational purposes or emergencies, giving autonomy to school administrations to shape their own implementation.

Potential Benefits of the Policy

1. Reclaiming Focus in the Classroom Students can concentrate better on lessons without constant notifications and distractions.

2. Encouraging Real-World Interaction Limiting screen time can help foster in-person socialization and emotional intelligence.

3. Improving Mental Health Reducing exposure to social media during school hours can ease anxiety and peer pressure.

4. Supporting Equitable Learning In public schools where not every student owns a smartphone, bans help prevent digital exclusion and inequality.

The Counterpoint: Is Banning Enough?

Critics argue that banning smartphones is a surface-level fix for deeper issues. Many believe that instead of prohibition, schools should:

• Teach responsible digital literacy

• Integrate technology in a controlled, educational way

• Address root causes of disengagement such as under-resourced classrooms or outdated curricula
  

In low-income areas—such as those where G&N works—students may rely on smartphones for studying, accessing online content, or even communicating with working parents. A ban must be implemented with care, flexibility, and inclusion.

What This Means for Underserved Schools

In communities with fewer resources, smartphone bans could unintentionally deepen gaps unless accompanied by broader support measures. That includes:

• Investing in school infrastructure (so digital tools are available when phones aren’t)

• Training teachers to navigate blended and tech-free models

• Offering mental health and social-emotional programs that promote student wellbeing

Our Perspective

At G&N, we welcome efforts that aim to improve learning environments—but we also believe policies like this must be inclusive and context-sensitive. We support:

• Schools that balance tech use with structure and purpose

• Educational programs that help students use technology responsibly

• Holistic strategies that address focus, mental health, and equity together

Because real learning happens when students feel present, supported, and empowered.