Law 15.100/25, enacted in January 2025, brought about a significant change in the school environment by regulating the use of cell phones and electronic devices by students in public and private schools, including during recess and breaks—a measure aimed not only at improving students’ concentration but also at reducing the negative impacts of excessive screen time.

However, its implementation poses both operational and legal challenges for administrators, teachers, and families, even though it provides for certain exceptions to the rule, such as: the use of these devices in situations of danger, necessity, force majeure, to safeguard fundamental rights, and for educational purposes—the latter at the discretion of educators—as well as to ensure inclusion and accessibility for students with special needs.

By prohibiting the unrestricted use of cell phones, the law also reinforces the importance of safety within schools, since excessive use of mobile devices has led not only to distractions that hinder learning but also to students’ exposure to a range of risks, such as cyberbullying, access to inappropriate content, and even interactions with the outside world and potentially malicious individuals.

The idea behind limiting the use of these devices is to create a more controlled environment that is conducive to students’ academic and social development. However, in order to achieve this and other objectives the law aims to accomplish, its implementation requires clear and effective measures, starting with the engagement of the students themselves and their families.

Naturally, given the challenges posed by the new legislation—especially during the initial phase of its implementation—we must recognize that teachers need support and training, not only to manage situations of noncompliance, but especially so that they feel motivated to propose alternative, enriching activities that encourage socialization, research, critical thinking, and other ideas that do not rely on technology.

Bett Connection: Alessandra Borelli explains the new law restricting cell phone use in schools:

The issue of the device storage should also be considered. Although the law does not require schools to store students’ cell phones, if they choose to do so, it is important to establish clear protocols to avoid disputes, damage, or loss.

Future regulations may provide specific guidelines, but for now, each institution must decide on the best strategy based on its operational capacity, keeping in mind that if a cell phone is lost on school grounds, the institution will not automatically be held liable only if it can demonstrate that it has taken preventive measures, such as requiring parents and students to sign liability waivers and establishing secure systems for storing the devices.

Another important aspect of the law is its contribution to media literacy. Contrary to what many may think, banning the unrestricted use of cell phones does not mean that students will stop learning about the digital world; on the contrary, this measure can be an opportunity to teach the responsible use of technology, promoting a balance between the digital and in-person worlds. 

Schools can incorporate into their teaching practices activities that encourage critical analysis of information available on the internet, as well as the development of digital skills in a structured and safe manner, thereby contributing to the development of citizens who are more aware and better prepared to use technology in an ethical, safe, mindful, and responsible way.

It is worth noting that family support is one of the key requirements for the law to be effective. Parents and guardians need to reinforce the benefits of this measure at home and encourage healthy habits regarding technology use. To reduce resistance and help students adapt to this new reality, communication between schools and families must be as transparent as possible.

In short, Law 15.100/25 represents an important step forward in creating a more focused, safe, and healthy school environment, but its success depends on a collective effort among schools, teachers, students, and families. More than just a ban, this legislation opens the door to discussions about digital balance and the importance of media literacy.

With well-defined protocols, effective strategies, and open dialogue, this change can transform challenges into opportunities for a more human-centered education that is aligned with the real needs of the 21st century.

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