France Enforces Mobile Phone Ban in Secondary Schools

The French Education Ministry has announced that secondary schools, including lycées, will enforce extended restrictions on mobile phone use starting with the 2026 school year. This policy builds on existing bans in primary and middle schools, aiming to foster a school environment less dominated by screens.

The initiative seeks to enhance students' focus on lessons, encourage face-to-face interactions, and reduce screen time. The restrictions apply not only to mobile phones but also to other electronic communication devices, although schools can establish limited exemptions for educational purposes or specific circumstances, including for students with disabilities.

The policy addresses growing concerns about screen time, cyberbullying, and inappropriate online content. Teachers, such as a Spanish instructor at the Louise Labé vocational secondary school in Lyon, support the restrictions as a means to minimize distractions and enhance classroom learning.

The initiative reflects a broader commitment to responsible digital use and the importance of reclaiming attention in educational settings.