France has implemented stricter rules on the use of mobile phones in middle schools, with students aged 11 to 15 required to keep their devices in lockers or pouches during school hours and can only access them again at the end of the day.
The Education Minister informed the Senate that the goal was for children to be completely separated from their phones throughout the school day in all French middle schools starting in September.
Elisabeth Borne stated, “Given the widespread concerns about the negative impact of screen time, this measure is crucial for the well-being and academic success of children in school.”
In 2018, a ban was imposed on mobile phone use for children in all middle schools in France – Colege. Phones must remain switched off in school bags and cannot be used anywhere on school premises, including during breaks.
Schools have reported positive outcomes such as increased social interactions, more physical activity, decreased bullying, and improved focus. However, some students still find ways to access their phones, such as sneaking into the restroom or watching videos during breaks.
The government is now requiring children to be completely separated from their devices for the entire school day, enforcing a “digital suspension.” Pilot schemes at around 100 middle schools over the past six months have shown that children have been willing to surrender their phones upon arrival.
Mobile devices are prohibited at elementary schools as well.
Borne informed the Senate, “Feedback from the trials has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong support from parents and teachers for enhancing the school environment.”
In response to concerns about costs and logistics from some unions, Borne stated that principals can choose the format for implementing the ban, such as lockers or pouches.
Referring to a recent study by the National Council of France, Borne mentioned, “Currently, young people spend an average of five hours a day on screens but only three hours a week reading books.”
Last year, a scientific report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron recommended that children should not use smartphones until age 13 and should not have access to social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Snapchat until age 18.
According to the report, children should not own phones before age 11 and should only have phones without internet access until age 13.
Macron expressed his support for measures to limit children’s screen time.
The largest education union in England called for a statutory ban on mobile phone use in schools, with a survey revealing that 99.8% of elementary schools and 90% of middle schools in Britain have implemented some form of ban.
Source: www.theguardian.com
