Experts advocate regulation of big techs to face impacts of social networks on education and mental health
The newly sanctioned Federal Law that prohibits the use of cell phones by students in schools is a positive but insufficient step towards facing the problem of digital addiction, warns experts in education and psychology. For them, the measure needs to be accompanied by more rigorous regulation of big techs.
Pedagogue Paulo Fochi, professor and researcher at Unisinos (University of the Rio dos Sinos Valley), says that the restriction of the use of cell phones in schools is a strategy of “Harm Reduction”but does not solve the root of the problem.
“Social networks are designed to be addictive. They stimulate the release of dopamine, creating the illusion of affection, attention and bond. However, in fact, they do not deliver any of this ”explical fires.
According to him, to keep users engaged and profit, the big techs resort to the propagation of fake newshate speech and political polarization. He cites the recent flexibility of fact -checking rules by the goal (Facebook controller, Instagram and WhatsApp) as an example of the problem.
“Big techs profit from misinformation. Public power needs to act to impose norms that protect society from damage caused by the lack of regulation ”, defends.
Digital Regulation and Education
Fochi believes to include “Digital Education” As a school subject would not be enough to combat the problem.
“The school can teach about the functioning of the internet and the identification of fake news, but does not prevent students from being impacted by the vitious design of social networks.”argues. It compares the effect of networks to an addictive drug, suggesting that regulation should focus on companies that profit from this business model.
Psychologist Elton Hiroshi Matsushima, professor at UFF (Fluminense Federal University), reinforces the need for state regulation. He cites the regulation of online bets as an example of public action to mitigate negative social impacts.
“It has been time to create a working group to study the regulation of Big Techs, considering the Internet Civil Marco and the General Data Protection Law”, Sugere Matsushima.
In 2020, the Senate approved the fake news bill, by Senator Alessandro Vieira (MDB-SE), who seeks to hold responsible big techs by misinformation. The text is still awaiting analysis in the House of Representatives.
Educational campaigns and impact on learning
Matsushima also advocates awareness campaigns on excessive use of cell phones, similar to those performed to combat smoking and alcohol abusive consumption.
He points out that the ban on cell phones improves the school environment, reducing competition between social networks and teachers. “Social networks offer personalized entertainment and are designed to attach attention. The teacher cannot compete with it ”, says.
The law also helps to insert the theme of digital addiction into the public debate. “When the media discusses the problem, it generates awareness and can lead to behavioral change,” Avalia MatsusHima.
Details of the new legislation
The law prohibiting the use of cell phones in schools was passed by the Senate on December 18 and sanctioned by the President (PT) on January 13. The standard applies to public and private schools, from kindergarten to the middle.
The appliances should remain turned off and stored throughout the school period. The school management will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the standard, including during the intervals.
There are exceptions: students with disabilities or health conditions that require digital monitoring, such as diabetes, can use the devices. The use will also be allowed in pedagogical activities under the supervision of teachers.
The CNE (National Education Council) shall publish guidelines for the implementation of the measure in the coming weeks.
Impact on Education
Senator Alessandro Vieira, rapporteur of the Senate bill, defended the law citing data from the 2022 International Student Evaluation Program.
“Impacts go beyond school performance. Issues such as anxiety, eating disorders and depression are associated with the excessive use of social networks ”wrote Vieira in his report.
He also highlighted the benefits of the restriction: “By reducing screen time, we stimulate creativity, critical thinking, sport, the arts and, above all, social life, essential for the emotional development of students.”
Countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Finland already adopt similar measures to restrict the use of cell phones in schools. In Brazil, some states and municipalities had also implemented local standards, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
With information from.
