Brazil's Congress passes ban on cellphones in schools

Brazil's Senate on Wednesday passed a bill banning cellphones in schools across the nation and sent the proposed legislation to be signed into law by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The bill prohibits the use of cellphones in school classrooms and during recesses and is aimed at reducing their negative effects on the learning of children and adolescents.

The measure applies to private and public schools, and makes exceptions for studies that require the use of cellphones and are authorized by teachers.

"The effects of the excessive use of cellphones and social media by children and adolescents go beyond academic results and lead to mental health issues linked to anxiety," said bill sponsor Senator Alessandro Vieira.

The bill was passed last week by the lower chamber of Congress, and the Senate approved it without changes.

Lula's administration supports the bill, and he is expected to sign the bill.

A stricter ban on cellphones in schools was adopted 12 days ago by the state of Sao Paulo, which also prohibited cellphones during extra-curricular activities by school children.