The French government may implement a ban on mobile phones in all public and private high schools starting this school term [1], [2].
This move represents a significant escalation in the state's effort to limit digital distractions and protect minors from the potential harms of early smartphone use.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said on Monday that the law will be promulgated by President Emmanuel Macron [3]. The ban is part of a new legislative framework specifically designed for the protection of children under 15 years old [4], [5].
Bregeon said the prohibition could be effective as early as next week [6]. However, reports on the exact timeline vary. While some government statements suggest an immediate rollout, other reports indicate the ban may not be fully effective until the 2026 school term [7].
President Emmanuel Macron has already taken the decision to promulgate the law [8]. The measure aims to create a more focused learning environment by removing devices that often serve as primary conduits for social media, and cyber-bullying among teenagers.
Under the new rules, the ban will apply across the board to both public and private secondary institutions [9]. The government has not yet detailed the specific penalties for students who violate the policy, or how schools will manage the storage of devices during the day.
This policy follows a broader trend in France to restrict screen time for youth. By targeting high schools, the government is extending restrictions that have previously been more common in primary and middle schools.
“The ban is part of a new legislative framework specifically designed for the protection of children under 15 years old.”
France is moving toward a more restrictive national policy on adolescent technology use to combat declining attention spans and mental health issues. By codifying the ban into law rather than leaving it to individual school discretion, the government is establishing a standardized baseline for digital wellness in education across the country.
