Mobile phone ban for high school students begins with the new academic year

With the start of the new academic year in France, the use of mobile phones by high school students in schools has been completely banned. President Emmanuel Macron stated that this decision aims to protect children from the harmful effects of digital screens. In a post on the social media platform X, Macron announced that the law had come into effect, stating that "it is no longer possible to wait any longer to protect children."

Under the law, students will not be able to use their mobile phones during class hours in high schools starting from September 1. Thus, the ban, which has been in place in primary and middle schools since 2018, has been extended to the high school level.

The French government enacted the regulation in recent months in response to growing public concern over screen addiction and the negative effects of the internet on children. The law was first passed by the French National Assembly and the Senate, and subsequently approved by the Constitutional Council. While educators and many parents share the view that time spent in front of screens negatively affects young people's academic performance and social development, some critics argue that more inclusive digital education policies should be developed instead of a ban.

In his statement, President Macron emphasized that they are acting with a sense of social responsibility, stating, "We cannot wait any longer to protect our children against the harms of screens."

Following the decision, detailed implementation instructions were sent to schools, and official authorities requested that all stakeholders, especially educators, ensure the full implementation of the new rule.