France to implement high school mobile phone ban in September

The French government is proceeding with a ban on mobile phone use in high schools starting with the new school year in September. This measure is part of President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative to reduce screen time among youth to prevent developmental issues. While the Constitutional Council recently struck down a separate provision regarding social media access for children under 15, it did not rule against the high school phone ban.

However, educators and trade unions have expressed significant concerns regarding the feasibility of the immediate rollout. School principals' unions, such as SNPDEN-Unsa, have criticized the timing, noting that schools require time to amend internal regulations through administrative boards. Implementation challenges include the logistical need for storage solutions, such as phone boxes or lockers, which can impose unexpected costs on institutions.

Critics also argue that the ban may be difficult to enforce effectively, as students might simply use devices outside school gates. Some educators suggest that the policy may not address the core issue of digital addiction and note that students often rely on phones for practical school needs, such as checking changing schedules.