Government regulates cell phone use by students in schools.
The measure bears the signatures of President Lula, Minister Macaé Evaristo (Human Rights), and Minister Camilo Santana (Education).
247 - Decree No. 12.385/2025, which regulates Law No. 15.100/2025 and addresses the restriction on the use of personal portable electronic devices by students during class, recess, or breaks between classes, for all stages of basic education, was published in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU) this Wednesday, February 19.
The measure bears the signatures of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Minister Macaé Evaristo (Human Rights and Citizenship), and Minister Camilo Santana (Education). "The objective is to preserve the mental, physical, and psychological health of children and adolescents," stated the Presidential Palace.
With this decree, it is established that public and private basic education systems and establishments must implement the provisions of Law No. 15.100 and the complementary norms established by the National Education Council on the subject, ensuring adaptation to the local context and the participation of the school community, observing the principle of democratic management of public education.
Educational institutions, in their internal regulations and pedagogical proposals, will need to indicate strategies for guiding students and families and for training teachers, as well as criteria for guiding the pedagogical use of personal portable electronic devices, considering the characteristics of each stage and each type of education served.
The law also outlines how personal portable electronic devices should be stored, to prevent students from using them during class, recess, or breaks between classes, and establishes consequences for non-compliance.
Furthermore, educational institutions should promote awareness campaigns about the risks of excessive use of cell phones and other personal portable electronic devices, offer training for education professionals, and provide spaces for listening and support.
PERMISSION — Students with disabilities will be allowed to use personal electronic devices, provided they present a certificate, report, or other document signed by a healthcare professional indicating the use of these devices as an assistive technology tool in the teaching and learning process, socialization, or communication.
