New Law in Brazil Is Making Students Put Away Their Smartphones at School

New Law in Brazil Is Making Students Put Away Their Smartphones at School
Students store their mobile phones in lockers as they head to class under a new law restricting their use on campus at Porto Seguro School in Sao Paulo, on Feb. 6, 2025. Andre Penner/AP Photo
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SAO PAULO—Brazilian students returned to class last week with a new task: staying away from their smartphones as a new law restricting their use in schools took effect.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a bill in January limiting smartphone access at schools, in line with a trend seen in the United States and Europe. It applies to public and private schools, and applies to classrooms and the halls.