started · updated
France expands smartphone ban to include high schools
France has expanded its smartphone ban to include high schools (lycées), following existing restrictions in primary and middle schools (collèges). The policy, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to restore calm for learning and protect students from digital risks. While schools have autonomy regarding how they enforce the rules—whether devices must stay in bags or not be brought at all—the general goal is to limit screen time and social media exposure.
In the Haute-Savoie region, the departmental council has invested 750,000 euros to implement the “Portable en pause” initiative. This project involves providing approximately 44,000 students with anti-wave pouches designed by the company Naotic. These pouches act as Faraday cages to block Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile signals. However, the measure has faced immediate criticism as students have reportedly found simple ways to bypass the magnetic closures.
Legal exceptions to the ban include specific pedagogical uses authorized by teachers and accommodations for students with disabilities or health conditions that require connected devices. While the ban aims to foster socialization and concentration, some students have expressed concerns regarding communication with parents and the loss of digital tools for school-related information.
Entities
Emmanuel Macron · France · Haute-Savoie · Martial Saddier · Naotic · Robert Weinum High School
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Teachers may authorize phone use for specific educational projects if outlined in the school's internal regulations. presseagence.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The pouches were designed by the Nantes-based company Naotic. 1001infos.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The department invested 750,000 euros to provide 50,000 anti-wave pouches at a cost of 15 euros each. 1001infos.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Students have reportedly found ways to bypass the magnetic security of the anti-wave pouches. 1001infos.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The mobile phone ban applies to all school areas and times, including recess, lunch, and school outings. presseagence.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Exceptions to the ban are permitted for students with disabilities or health conditions requiring connected devices. presseagence.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] French law has prohibited the use of mobile phones in primary and middle schools since August 3, 2018. presseagence.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Haute-Savoie department, led by Martial Saddier, initiated a project to limit mobile phone use among middle school students. 1001infos.net