Monday is the first day that French schoolchildren under 15 cannot use their cellphones at any point during the school day, thanks to a new nationwide law.
The ban, passed in July following a campaign pledge made by French President Emmanuel Macron, will affect elementary and junior high schools across the country as they return from the summer break.
The new law, which went into effect on August 5, bans all types of cellphones, as well as tablets and smartwatches.
While a ban on cellphones during class hours was already in place since 2010, the new law extends to breaks and mealtimes.
Schools are free to choose themselves if they will implement the ban for students over 15. There are also some exceptions to the ban, such as for students with disabilities.
"A law for the 21st century"
Under the new law, students have to turn their phones off during the day or put them in lockers, the Associated Press reported. Schools will independently deal with the logistics of how students will be kept away from their phones, the news agency said. The law was introduced amid fears that students were becoming too dependent on and distracted by their smartphones. Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer in June hailed the legislation as "a law for the 21st century," and said it would improve discipline among France's 12 million schoolchildren, Agence France-Presse reported. "Being open to technologies of the future doesn't mean we have to accept all their uses," he said.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Let’s learn from ExxonMobil, high flyers must lead the way for mergers – AOMC Boss
12 mins -
‘Let industry players play the game ‘ – AOMC boss slams political interference in oil sector
25 mins -
‘So many regulations, yet corruption prevails’ – Dr Riverson Oppong on OMC oversaturation
34 mins -
At least 24 dead after two boats capsize off coast of Madagascar
1 hour -
Madina MP lauds White Chapel Youth Group for championing peace ahead of elections
2 hours -
Man United settle for draw at Ipswich Town in Amorim’s first game in charge
2 hours -
GPL 2024/2025: Prince Owusu screamer earns Medeama win over Young Apsotles
2 hours -
BBC visits mpox clinic as WHO says DR Congo cases ‘plateauing’
2 hours -
Burning old TVs to survive in Ghana: The toxic trade in e-waste
3 hours -
Perfume boss admitted he ignored Russia sanctions
3 hours -
Wicked proves popular as opening set to be biggest for Broadway film
3 hours -
Nominee for agriculture secretary completes Trump cabinet
3 hours -
ECG urges prepaid customers to top up to last one month ahead of system upgrade
3 hours -
Three more tourists named in Laos methanol deaths
4 hours -
Betway Africa offers a once-in-a-lifetime ‘Play-on-the-Pitch’ experience at Emirates Stadium
4 hours