City Hall prohibits the use of cell phones during classes in schools in the municipal education network

Cell phones in the classroom? Only if they're in your backpack! As of this Monday (August 7), Mayor Eduardo Paes' decree banning the use of cell phones in classrooms at Rio de Janeiro's municipal schools will come into effect. The decision is in line with UNESCO's recent Global Education Monitoring Report 8, which points out that the use of cell phones can harm learning and concentration.

The use of cell phones and other devices will only be permitted for learning-related purposes, but during regular classes, the devices must remain on silent mode and stored in students' backpacks and bags. This measure aims to avoid distractions and interruptions during the learning process. In the event of non-compliance, the teacher will take action in the classroom or contact the unit's management team.

Cell phones will be permitted in cases where there is express guidance from the teacher, always for pedagogical purposes, such as research, reading and access to authorized content. Students with disabilities or health problems, who need these devices to monitor or assist with their needs, are also exceptions.

The report by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Agency, found that screen time is associated with a decline in well-being; reduced curiosity, self-discipline and emotional stability; and even diagnoses of depression and anxiety in children. Cell phone use is already banned in several countries, including Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United States, the Netherlands, Latvia and Scotland.

– Using cell phones hinders concentration and directly affects learning. It’s as if the student leaves the classroom every time they see a notification. It’s impossible to pay attention and learn fully that way. Furthermore, school is a place for socializing, and being on a cell phone hinders social interaction, leaving the child isolated on their own screen – stated the Secretary of Education, Renan Ferreirinha.

The measure is also in line with the report's statement on the role of public authorities: “Governments need to ensure the right conditions to allow equal access to education for all, regulate the use of technology to protect students from its negative influences and prepare teachers.”

– We need to have new rules for the new reality. Today, there is excessive use of smartphones and we are living in an epidemic of distractions. It is necessary to educate and support children for these new times. In this sense, rules are essential. Spending too much time on cell phones is proven to be harmful, and this measure of ours seeks to educate habits, with a more conscious and responsible use of technology – said Ferreirinha.

Read more on the regulation of the use of cell phones in municipal schools.

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August 7th, 2023

Appointments: classrooms cellular Education municipal schools City Hall of Rio prohibition