Brazil moves to ban mobile phones in schools
Brazil has moved to ban mobile phones in primary and secondary schools after Congress passed a bill aimed at limiting their use.
The proposed law is meant to address concerns about how mobile phones affect the education and health of children and teenagers.
Education Minister Camilo Santana praised the move, describing it as the “right decision".
The decision is pending the signature of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to become law. If approved, students will no longer be allowed to use mobile devices during school hours.
A recent study showed that over half of Brazilian children aged 10-13 own mobile phones, while nearly 88% of teenagers aged 14-17 have one.
Many schools in Brazil already restrict mobile phone use, but only 28% completely ban them, according to the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee.
So far, public support for the ban has been very positive.
