The Ministry of Education (MEC), through the Secretariat of Basic Education (SEB), has released two practical guides on the balanced and responsible use of cell phones at school. The materials were published as part of a digital collection on the topic onthe MEC RED platform.

One is aimed atschools across the country, and the other ateducation networks. The material was presented during the webinar “Why Discuss Cell Phone Use in Schools? Reflections and Strategies for Mindful Use,” streamed on theMECandConviva EducaçãoYouTube channels. 

The guides aim to raise awareness about the responsible use of digital devices and presentstrategies and guidelines to support the implementation of the new legislation, as well as practical guidance on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for the mindful use of cell phones in the school environment. The focus is on educational use. 

• See theguide for schoolsand theguide for school districts.  

According to Education Minister Camilo Santana, the restriction on cell phone use is intended to raise public awareness about the harm that excessive use of these devices has caused to people’s learning and quality of life. 

“Of course, cell phones and other electronic devices, such as tablets, can be used for educational purposes. We don’t want to ban their use, but rather to protect our children by helping to ensure that school is an environment for learning and interaction, with restricted use of these tools,” he explained. 

Law No. 15,100/2025, signed into law this year by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, regulates the use of personal portable electronic devices during classes, recess, and breaks at all levels of basic education. The ban does not apply to the educational use of these devices. Exceptions are permitted only in cases of necessity, danger, or force majeure. The law also ensures the use of these devices for purposes of accessibility, inclusion, health conditions, or the protection of fundamental rights. 

Webinar

At the opening of the webinar “Why Discuss Cell Phone Use in Schools? Reflections and Strategies for Mindful Use,” the Secretary of Basic Education, Kátia Schweickardt, stated that the law aims to optimize cell phone use and maximize its benefits through the educational use of the devices. 

“We are already aware of the harmful effects—that our children, adolescents, and young people have great difficulty concentrating, in addition to a range of socio-emotional harms that have been caused by misuse,” he said. 

Schweickardt noted that in the past, there were opportunities for interaction during recess at school and that it is very important to restore that connection among students. With the use of cell phones, she said, this has practically disappeared from the school environment.

“That was the time when we made friends, played, had fun, and sat in a circle chatting. That’s what we’re proposing to bring back—that cell phones at school be used only under the guidance and supervision of a teacher or an education professional, for a guided, intentional, and pedagogically designed activity,” she emphasized. 

According to the secretary, the Ministry of Education (MEC) is discussing with school districts the proper way to respond when psychological distress is identified in students during this initial phase, due to the abstinence from cell phone use. Administrators and teachers will receive guidance on how to refer students for psychological counseling, with the involvement of the entire health and support network. 

“The Ministry of Education is prepared to provide support and participate in the discussions. Let’s learn together and not dwell on what we’ll be missing. Let’s relearn and strengthen everything that enriches us in the school environment and through positive face-to-face interactions,” he concluded.  

“The MEC is prepared to provide support and participate in the discussions. Let’s learn together and not dwell on what we might be missing.” Kátia Schweickardt, Secretary of Basic Education at the MEC.

See theguide for schoolsand theguide for school districts.  

Source: MEC Media Relations Office, with information from SEB.

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