France to enforce school phone ban

The stricter control on mobile phone use stems from growing concerns about the negative impacts of digital devices on young people’s well-being.
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France has recently implemented a new ‘digital comma’ system to curb mobile phone use among students as the new school semester begins. Currently, in a pilot phase, the policy involves 200 middle schools where students must either submit their phones to teachers upon arrival or seal them in lockers, ensuring they are not accessible during school hours.

The following initiative is designed to reinforce a 2018 policy that prohibited elementary and middle school students from using phones on campus—a rule that has been criticised for its lack of effective enforcement. Should this pilot prove successful over the next four months, the French government plans to extend the ban to all schools nationwide beginning next year.

The decision to enforce stricter control over mobile phone use stems from growing concerns about the negative impact of digital devices on young people’s well-being. A Screen Use Expert Committee report, established by President Emmanuel Macron, highlights several risks associated with excessive screen time, including sleep disorders, reduced physical activity, obesity, and vision problems. The committee advocates for a gradual introduction of digital devices, suggesting that children under three should have no contact with such devices, while those under 11 should be completely banned from using mobile phones. For older children, limited access to phones without internet capabilities is recommended, with full access to internet-enabled phones being delayed until age 15 and, even then, without access to social networking services.

This trend is not isolated to France – numerous other countries have also begun to regulate mobile phone use in schools. The UK, Germany, Italy, and several states in the United States, including California and New York, have all implemented or are considering similar restrictions. These actions reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect children from the potential harms associated with digital technology and a commitment to fostering a healthier and more focused learning environment. As the conversation around digital device usage continues to evolve, it is clear that many nations prioritise the well-being of their youth in the face of rapidly advancing technology.