Brazil Passes Historic Federal Law: Cellphone Use Banned in Basic Education Including Recess
Under Federal Law No. 15,100, Brazil has prohibited the use of mobile phones and portable electronic devices across all public and private schools nationwide, covering classroom instruction, hallways, and recess periods.
In Brazil, where daily screen time ranks among the highest in the world, the National Congress and Federal Government have enacted landmark legislation to protect the mental health and learning environments of youth.
Federal Law No. 15,100 (Lei Federal nº 15.100) establishes a nationwide ban on personal portable electronic devices and smartphones across all basic education establishments (elementary, middle, and high schools). Students are barred from using phones during classes, passing periods, and recess.
The federal statute expands upon successful regional legislation previously pioneered by the State of São Paulo (Law No. 18,058) and the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro.
A rigorous study conducted by Stanford University in partnership with the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Education Secretariat proved that school phone bans resulted in measurable gains in math and Portuguese test scores, alongside a 40% drop in peer harassment and bullying.
The mandate requires institutions to provide secure storage for devices and encourages families to establish firm screen-free rules in the home.
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