On the eve of a new school year, the São Paulo government has announced new rules for cell phone use in schools. The measure comes to comply with State Law No. 18,058/2024, passed at the end of last year, which enacted a ban on electronic devices by São Paulo students in public and private schools.
The proposal came from deputy Marina Helou (Rede) and had the support of 42 other parliamentarians, before it was sanctioned by governor Tarcísio de Freitas. In addition to cell phones, the measure restricts the use of tablets, smart watches and other electronic devices, except for educational purposes or to help students with disabilities.
This back-to-school season, therefore, teachers and students will have to adapt to a new reality. Check out the new rules on the use of cell phones in schools below:
Photo: ArtPhoto_studio/Freepik
São Paulo bans the use of cell phones in schools; check out the new rules
From now on, students will not be able to use electronic devices during classes, as well as during breaks, recess and extracurricular activities. According to the Department of Education, the measure is due to the fact that the indiscriminate use of these objects damages concentration and school performance.
In a document, the Department informs that schools should alert parents to the ban. If the student chooses to bring the device to class, teachers must collect them and store them in an inaccessible place, such as a cupboard or box. The school will not be held responsible for possible damage or loss of the device, and must provide a channel for students to communicate with their families.
If any student fails to comply with the order and uses their cell phone at school, especially during lessons, the school management may collect the device. In the event of a repeat offence, the principal may be summoned, as well as the parents of the child/adolescent. Finally, if those responsible do not come forward, the Guardianship Council may be called in.
Psychological support for students
In addition to the bans, schools in São Paulo will have to carry out educational campaigns on the subject with students, guardians and the school community. They will have to discourage the use of cell phones and raise awareness about the harms of indiscriminate use of electronic devices.
Possible actions include talks with mental health specialists, conversation circles and educational materials. In the event of addiction to screens, students should also receive psychosocial support, such as psychologists.