Research conducted by the Internet Steering Committee in Brazil shows that 28% of institutions already have a total ban
Summary
Research shows that the use of mobile phones is limited in 60% of Brazilian primary and secondary schools.
Six out of ten Brazilian primary and secondary schools, both urban and rural, limit the use of cell phones, with restrictions in specific times and spaces. According to research by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br), use is completely prohibited in 28% of institutions. The issue gained strength in the Senate, with the urgent elaboration of the first bill (PL 104/15) which limits cell phones in classrooms. In São Paulo, state law no. 18,058 passed in December 2024 already prohibits the use of devices in public and private schools.
The master in Artificial Intelligence and Ethics, trainer and consultant at the Escola Lourenço Castanho, Alexandre Le Voci Sayad, highlights that the issue is complex and cannot be treated in a simplistic way, highlighting its direct relationship with digital culture. “This is a topic that needs discussion with society. The only vision cannot only concern the ban, but digital culture, which is part of people’s lives today,” he explains.
“We see the impact AI has had on society in all fields, and often, prohibition is an easier way to address a complex issue,” he adds.
Emphasizes that it is the school’s role to promote media education, preparing students to use technology ethically and responsibly in the analysis of information. “In the digital world, media education is essential. It allows students to use cell phones ethically and interpret media signals,” he says.
In this context, family participation is essential. “Media education begins at home, in what we call parental education. It is up to the family to decide whether or not to purchase a device. After all, cell phones are not part of the student’s compulsory equipment,” he stresses.
The coordinator of Elementary Education at the Colégio Bilíngue, in Santos (SP), Lúcia de Melo, lives daily with the reality of the school environment and maintains that the device can be a valuable tool, provided it is used appropriately. “The mobile phone allows access to different knowledge when there is excellent pedagogical orientation and is used in an integrated way across all areas of knowledge,” he says.
On the other hand, it warns against the risks of inappropriate use, such as the exclusive use of games, which limits learning by exposing users to content with no educational value, damaging memory. “We need to keep our memory active, stimulate organization and creativity. Using your cell phone without educational purposes can further shorten your memory,” he points out. Lucia also highlights the importance of involving families in this process. “We work together with parents to ensure that cell phones are used by students only as a pedagogical tool within the school,” he explains.
Technology as an ally
For Vitor Azambuja, one of the creators and creative partners of the De Criança Para Criança programme, which proposes hybrid educational methodologies for schools around the world, the theme is more linked to education on the use of mobile phones than to the ban, applied to different daily contexts situations.
“An alternative in classrooms would be to promote dialogue by asking students to leave their cell phones on airplane mode, for example, ensuring that, in urgent cases, the family has access to other means of communication with the school.”
Vitor also highlights that the world lives in the digital age and that cell phones, in addition to being useful in situations such as emergencies or important warnings, are part of a broader debate on access to technology.
“We live in a digital world and the means by which we access technology are important, including for the De Criança Para Criança program, which can be accessed via mobile phone. So it is essential to evaluate what you consume,” he concludes.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
