Mobile phone bans in schools

In late July 2026, Myanmar’s Ministry of Education announced a new rule that prohibits primary‑school students from using mobile phones during class time. The policy is presented as a measure to limit excessive social‑media exposure and protect children from age‑inappropriate content, and it calls for coordination with other ministries and public‑awareness campaigns.

Two days later, France disclosed its own nationwide decision: from 1 September 2026 every lycée will be required to ban mobile phones, smart watches and certain tablets on school premises. The French ban expands a prior “digital pause” applied in lower‑grade schools and is part of a broader effort that also restricts under‑15s from creating accounts on major social‑media platforms. Both governments frame the restrictions as ways to reduce distractions, curb cyber‑harassment, and promote face‑to‑face interaction among youths.

Together, the two announcements illustrate a growing trend in which Asian and European nations are moving to limit personal device use within educational settings, extending from primary to secondary education levels.