It’s been in the air since the start of the school year, but now it’s official: the ministry of national education, children and youth confirmed, on 3 April, that mobile phones will be completely banned from all primary schools in the country as of 22 April (the close of the Easter holidays).

In concrete terms, the use of smartphones and other connected devices will be banned throughout the school day, including during breaks and during educational activities. An exception will be tolerated only for educational purposes, under the supervision of a teacher, or for medical needs justified by a certificate.

Pupils who need to be contactable before or after class will be required to keep their phones switched off and stored in their satchels. Teaching staff will be responsible for enforcing these new rules. In the event of infringement, the device may be confiscated until the end of the day. Repeated breaches will result in parents being notified. These rules will also apply in the maison relais (after-school care facilities).

Older students will not be exempt: From 2 June 2025, high schoolers must be physically separated from their smartphones during lessons. All secondary schools will be required draw up a school charter guaranteeing this separation and defining any additional restrictions (for example, for specific age groups, time slots or areas of the school). “Details of the arrangements put in place by secondary schools will be communicated in due course,” the government promises.

This article in French.