The Senate approved on Wednesday the bill addressing the use of portable electronic devices in educational institutions at the early childhood, basic, and secondary education levels, with modifications. The proposal, authored by Deputy José Rodríguez, now returns to the Chamber of Deputies, which will review the changes before deciding whether to give final approval.
During the ordinary session, chaired by Senator Basilio Núñez, the plenary changed the bill’s title, replacing the term "regulate" with "restrict." Adjustments were also made to the chapter concerning prohibitions and exceptions for cellphone use. The proposal does not impose an absolute ban: devices may be used for educational purposes under teachers’ guidance, and each school will have the autonomy to develop its own internal regulations.
Senator Patrick Kemper, chair of the Science, Technology, Innovation, and Future Committee, explained that the favorable report with modifications does not reject digitalization but aims to promote responsible technology use in schools. According to him, the constant presence of smartphones during classes competes with students’ attention, concentration, and cognitive retention processes.
Senator Hermelinda Alvarenga, head of the Education and Culture Committee, clarified that the bill does not completely eliminate cellphone use but sets restrictions with exceptions strictly for pedagogical use. Senator Lizarella Valiente, chair of the Family, Childhood, Adolescence, and Youth Committee, warned that excessive use of these devices fosters addictive behaviors and negatively impacts the cognitive development and emotional self-regulation of children and adolescents.
During the debate, Senator Celeste Amarilla questioned the need for a law on the matter, arguing that cellphone use regulation should fall under the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) through administrative resolutions, not the Congress. Meanwhile, Senator Blanca Ovelar defended the existence of a legal framework as a valid tool to keep pace with changes in education and cited international examples, such as France, where students are not allowed to bring cellphones to school.
In the same session, the Senate also approved with modifications the bill amending articles of Law No. 7280/2024 on the Reform and Modernization of the National Police. The changes aim to align the regulation with Law No. 7633/2026, which established measures for reforming the public sector pension and retirement system. The bill was sent to the Chamber of Deputies for review.