France bans smartphones, smartwatches and tablets in schools
France has passed a new law which bans smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and other connected devices in schools from next month.
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Lawmakers passed the law on Monday according to a report from Agence France-Presse. At the start of the new term in September, students will have to either leave these items at home or keep them switched off during school hours. The ban applies to school kids between 3 and 15 years of age.
The only exceptions are for ‘pedagogical use’, extra-curricular activities or disabled pupils. High schools with students 15 and older will have a choice whether to enforce a partial or total ban on connected devices.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted about the changes the same day. The law has fulfilled one of his campaign promises.
“The general ban on mobile phones in schools and colleges has been definitively adopted by the National Assembly today,” said Macron’s translated tweet.
“Commitment held.”
The law is France’s bid in the fight against children’s smartphone addiction. According to a recent study, one out of two teenagers feel “addicted” to their phone. Four out of five of the check their smartphones at least hourly.
This is not the first time France has adopted such legislation. A law approved in 2010 banned the use of smartphones “during all teaching activity.”
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