The Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo (Alesp) approved, this Tuesday (12), a bill that prohibits the use of cell phones in public and private schools in the state. The proposal now goes to governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) for sanction.
The vote took place symbolically. The proposal, authored by state deputy Marina Helou (Rede) and co-authored by 40 other parliamentarians, establishes that students will not be able to use any type of electronic device with internet access during class periods, including breaks.
In her justification, the deputy highlighted that the approval of the law will serve as support for teachers and principals, who face daily challenges related to the excessive use of electronic devices in classrooms. “A general rule also helps to reduce inequalities between public and private schools, many of which are already investing in solutions to control the use of devices,” said Helou.
Continues after advertising
In the National Congress, the Education Committee of the Chamber of Deputies also approved, on October 30, a project that aims to prohibit the use of electronic devices in schools. The text will now go to the House Constitution and Justice Committee, where it will be analyzed before being debated in plenary.
Despite the ban, Alesp’s project provides for some exceptions. The use of electronic devices will be permitted in specific situations, such as when there is a pedagogical need to use digital content or for students with disabilities who require specific technological aids to effectively participate in school activities.
Students who choose to bring their devices to school must store them securely and cannot access them during class time.
Continues after advertising
In September, the Ministry of Education had announced that it was preparing a bill with the same objective. However, the department gave up presenting its own proposal and opted to support projects that were already being processed in the Chamber of Deputies.
