Lisbon, June 26, 2025 (Lusa) - The Menos Ecrãs Mais Vida (Less Screens, More Life) movement announced on Thursday that it has requested a hearing with the minister of education, science and innovation to clarify the implementation of a policy promoting screen-free schools, outlined in the government’s programme.
In a letter addressed to Fernando Alexandre and released to the press, the movement said it had “welcomed the information that the new government has decided to go ahead with the ban on smartphones up to the 6th year”, but believed the measure could become more ambitious in terms of age.
The government intends to allow only non-smartphone devices in primary and lower secondary schools and restrict smartphone use among upper secondary school students, making the recommendations made at the beginning of the 2024/2025 school year the rule.
The Menos Ecrãs Mais Vida (Less Screens, More Life) movement, founded in January 2024 and made up of four mothers who are teachers, draws attention to cases in countries such as “Brazil, Denmark, Finland and Spain, which already prohibit the use of mobile phones until the 12th year, and many others that prohibit it until the 9th year”, as well as the “recommendations” the Portuguese Society of Neuropaediatrics issued the guidelines in September 2024; they apply until the age of 18 and, for example, encourage smartphone-free school breaks.
Once approved, head teachers will enforce the ban and ensure that school groups and students comply. The movement also wants to know “what plans the government has for the third cycle and secondary education.”
‘We believe it is in the interest of the ministry to continue to look after the physical, mental and social health of our children and young people, and the Menos Ecrãs, Mais Vida movement remains available to help in this process. For this reason, we hereby request a new hearing, following on from the one we held on 2 September 2024,’ states the letter dated today.
Two years ago, one of the founders of the movement launched a petition on the use of smartphones in schools from the 2nd cycle onwards, “for the sake of children’s socialisation during break times”, and more than 24,000 people have already signed it.
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