France: Macron advocates for ban on mobile phones in high schools too

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that the ban on mobile phones in schools will “most likely” be extended to Lycées, the French equivalent of high schools and the final stage of secondary education, next year. This would prohibit the use of mobile phones in practically all educational institutions in the country, as students in primary and middle schools (Collège) are already not allowed to use mobile phones in school buildings.

During an event in eastern France, Macron described the first phase of the ban, according to Politico, as “quite successful.” He clearly advocated for extending the regulation to high school students aged 15 to 18. The Minister of Education, Édouard Geffray, is currently examining the implementation of this idea, the president hinted. However, an extension to Lycées might require a new legislative initiative, as the French National Assembly passed the existing ban in 2018, but it explicitly only applies to preschools, primary schools, and middle schools.

The fight against mobile phones in the classroom is not new in France; a fundamental ban on mobile phones in schools has existed since 2010. Initially, only their use during lessons was prohibited. Eight years later, the National Assembly drastically tightened the regulations, also prohibiting smartphone use during breaks and during school activities outside actual lessons. The goals are clear: to improve children's and adolescents' concentration on learning and to increase protection against cyberbullying and age-inappropriate content.

Ban debate is being held across Europe

Most recently, the Grande Nation tightened the reins further in April after tests of the “digital break” program. Students aged 11 to 15 have been prohibited from using smartphones all day long since September. They must lock them away.

Macron's initiative also follows the recommendations of researchers who, on his behalf, concluded last year that children should only be allowed to use smartphones from the age of 13. They should also have access to social media such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat only from the age of 13. 18. Regardless of domestic political headwinds, Macron is apparently also trying to increase his presence on the national stage with such initiatives to address the challenges posed by mobile phones and large online platforms.

France's move is part of a European trend in which more and more countries and regions are banning mobile phones from classrooms. In Germany, for example, Hesse and Bremen introduced a far-reaching mobile phone ban with the current school year. Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia rely on a relevant framework that schools must design individually. Lower Saxony and Hamburg have just stated that a blanket ban is not effective.

(nen)