Macron Bans Mobile Phones in French High Schools

President Emmanuel Macron has promulgated a law banning mobile phone use in high schools, effective at the start of the new school year in September. The measure expands existing bans already in place for primary schools and collèges, aiming to reduce screen time to prevent developmental delays in children. While the education ministry will allow exemptions for educational purposes, individual high schools must determine their own enforcement methods.

The legislation was originally approved by parliament in July and included a provision banning social media access for children under 15. However, the Constitutional Council struck down the social media ban earlier this month. Because the court did not rule on the phone ban, the government is proceeding with its implementation. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is now drafting a revised version of the social media legislation to address the court's concerns, with the goal of establishing a stable legal framework by next spring.

Trade unions and school leaders have criticized the timing of the rollout. Francois Resnais, national secretary of the school principals union SNPDEN-Unsa, argued that schools are not ready to implement the ban and may need up to a year to update internal regulations. Additionally, some regional authorities have raised concerns regarding the high cost of storage solutions, such as lockers and digital pouches.