Even at Elysée, phones are handed in, Macron tells French pupils
Visiting a school in the southern town of Mende, the French president defended a ban on smartphones in schools, arguing they are a distraction and an obstacle to learning.
On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed high school students, urging them to put away their phones and social networks for better learning. He noted that even at the Elysee Palace, attendees are asked to hand in their devices before meetings, arguing that phones are a distraction and an obstacle to paying attention in classes. Macron, who practices what he preaches, said he asks people to leave their mobile phones at the Elysee before meetings.
The ban on mobile phones in French high schools and colleges, targeting children aged 11 to 15, came into effect on the first day of the new term. Schools across France rushed to enforce the rule, placing phones in storage units to prevent their use. While some students supported the ban, others found it infantilizing. Head teacher Julie Bouvry of a school in eastern Paris said the devices would be banned even in hallways and cafeterias, offering lockable pouches to avoid outright confiscation.
However, some students expressed frustration, arguing that phones are essential for emergencies and practical information. Akram, 15, pointed out that some children rely on phones for family emergencies, while Magda, 16, mentioned that some sneak phones into toilets. Education Minister Edouard Geffray hinted at possible exemptions for students with disabilities.
Macron reiterated his commitment to reduce screen time for young people, even though France's top court struck down a proposal to ban apps like TikTok, citing freedom of expression concerns.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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