France is set to implement a trial ban on mobile phones in schools for students up to the age of 15. Approximately 200 middle schools in France will participate in a new program requiring students to surrender their phones upon arriving at school.
This move is seen as the next phase of the law introduced in 2018, which permitted students to have phones at school but banned their use. Education Minister Nicole Belloubet stated that the ban aims to provide young people with a “digital break.” If the trial yields positive results, the policy is planned to be rolled out across all schools starting in January.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF SCREEN ADDICTION
A commission established in the country has expressed concerns about the serious negative effects of excessive exposure to digital devices on children’s health and development. A 140-page report published in March highlighted broad agreement that screen use leads to sleep problems, inactivity, excessive weight gain, and vision issues.
The report emphasized that excessive use of digital technology poses a threat not only to children but also to society and civilization as a whole. It also recommended gradual control over children’s mobile phone use, advising no phones for those under 11, internet-free phones for ages 11-13, and phones with internet access but restricted social media for those up to 15.
