French lawmakers ban smartphones in schools, the government and the economy

March Jul. 31 2018 – 6:48 AM

[PARIS] French schoolchildren will have to leave their smartphones off or at home while the new academic year begins in September, after legislators voted Monday for the ban. [19659003] The ban on smartphones, tablets and other connected devices, which will apply to students under the age of 14-15, meets an election promise by centrist President Emmanuel Macron, while being described as " cosmetic "by the opposition.

Macron's centrist LREM party members and allies gave final approval to the bill, while left and right legislators abstained from voting, calling the law "advertising action." "that would not change anything

. can make exceptions for "educational use", extracurricular activities, or for students with disabilities.

Secondary schools can, for their part, decide individually to impose a partial or total ban on connected devices.

in 2010, already banned s

The Minister of Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, said that the previous law did not apply everywhere and lacked teeth, while the new law brings France into the 21st century.

"He sends a message to" Nearly nine out of ten French teenagers aged 12 to 17 have a smart phone. "

AFP