France Enforces High School Mobile Phone Ban Amidst Social Media Ruling Reversal

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, France is moving forward with a ban on mobile phones in its high schools, scheduled to take effect this September. This measure follows a decision by President Emmanuel Macron to enact the law, despite the Constitutional Council’s earlier revocation of social media restrictions for individuals under 15 years old.

While educational institutions were instructed in July to prepare for the ban, the union of senior managers has voiced concerns about the insufficient preparation time. Many schools reportedly lack updated internal regulations and are facing significant challenges in implementing the new policy.

In July, the French Parliament had approved legislation that prohibited both social media access for children under 15 and mobile phone usage within high schools. This initiative was part of President Macron’s broader efforts to reduce screen time for young people, a concern for the government regarding their development.

However, earlier this month, France’s highest court overturned the provision concerning social media, marking a setback for Macron’s agenda. The Constitutional Council did not issue a ruling on the separate article pertaining to the prohibition of mobile phone use in high schools.

On Monday, government spokesperson Prisca Thévenot stated that President Macron has decided to proceed with the mobile phone ban. Following a cabinet meeting, Thévenot confirmed, “Consequently, the ban on mobile phones in high schools can be implemented from the start of the new school year with a stable, established, and legal framework.”

France had previously prohibited mobile phone use for children in middle schools (collèges), which cater to students aged 11 to 15, as well as in primary schools.