Home News Macron Advocates for Phone-Free Schools, Cites Elysee Practices

Macron Advocates for Phone-Free Schools, Cites Elysee Practices

Sep 1, 2026
60 min
10
Sep 1, 2026 15:31
Even at Elysee, phones are handed in, Macron tells pupils

## Macron's Stance on Phone Usage

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of reducing screen time for students during a visit to a school in Mende. He highlighted that even at the Elysee Palace, attendees are required to surrender their phones before meetings, underscoring the distraction they pose.

## New School Year, New Rules

As the new academic year began, Macron defended the recent ban on mobile phones in high schools, a policy aimed at enhancing students' focus and learning. He argued that phones are not conducive to paying attention in class.

## Mixed Reactions from Students

While some students understood the rationale behind the ban, others felt it was overly restrictive in a world where mobile phones are prevalent. The policy extends a previous ban on phones in primary and middle schools, now affecting students up to around age 15.

## Challenges and Future Plans

Despite support from parliament, a proposed ban on social media for children under 15 was struck down by France's top court. Macron remains committed to this initiative, citing concerns about addiction and attention disorders linked to excessive screen time. The government plans to draft a new law to address these issues.

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