Is the ban on mobile phones in schools and universities, in force since a 2018 law, not enough? Nearly 200 universities across France have pledged to go further this autumn by trying a complete “digital break”. The 50,000 students affected will have to leave their phones at the entrance of the establishment and pick them up at the end of the day.
For Nicole Belloubet, the outgoing Minister of National Education who initiated this experiment, the ambition is to increase student results, limit the effects of distraction, and improve the school climate. “A lot of harassment comes from the use of mobile phones, even in establishments, even though it is theoretically prohibited”explained on Monday, September 2 on France Inter. The generalization of this measure “should take place from January 2025”said the former principal during her back-to-school press conference on August 27.
Despite the ban, it is not uncommon today for students to check their phones at school. This “Use is largely organized in bathrooms”The commission called “screens”, which is responsible for studying the impact of exposure to screens on young people, stated in its report presented on April 30 to the President of the Republic. “There are massive exchanges of content about what is happening in or at universities.She specifies, and phones are not always turned off during classes. »
Even if “certain localized or occasional situations of less respect or tension may persist”These experts believe that the ban is still in force today. “respected” AND “it does not present any major difficulties”. However, they recommend “strengthening the effectiveness of the ban” leaving school leaders free to implement flexible or more restrictive measures.
The State does not participate in the financing
With the digital break, this is the restrictive option that Nicole Belloubet wants to try out. Each volunteering establishment must choose how to proceed and modify its internal regulations so that the system is operational. The departments responsible for the buildings and equipment of colleges can be called upon to purchase equipment: lockers or shockproof bags, for example. The State does not participate in the financing.
The experiment, and even more so the announcement of its generalisation, has raised concerns among unions and local authorities. “The fight against bullying is a crucial issue, but it involves many other elements besides this device,” Sophie Vénétitay, general secretary of SNES-FSU, is upset. Bruno Bobkiewicz, general secretary of the union of school principals SNPDEN-UNSA, agrees. : “I really don’t understand the meaning of this proposition. The number one problem is not the use of the phone in school, which is already banned, but outside the school.”
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