In a bold initiative, hundreds of schools across France have begun a 10-day “detox” from smartphones, tablets, and consoles.
The experiment, which started on May 13, involves students being required to lock their electronic devices in a cabinet for the entire school day, from kindergarten to senior school grades, and will run until May 22. Over 117,500 children are taking part.
Students will have to leave their phones, tablets, and consoles in the designated cabinet while at school, and both parents and educators are also encouraged to refrain from using electronic devices on school premises, even during breaks.
The detox is designed as an “exercise in responsible consumption and mental health.” Its goal is to raise awareness about screen dependence and encourage participants to reassess their daily tech habits.
During the 10-day period, schools will offer a variety of activities focused on “communication and exploration,” providing students with enjoyable alternatives to screen time.
Students can also earn points by avoiding phone use outside of school hours—before school, during the long lunch break, and after school.
In some French schools, mobile phones are completely prohibited during the entire school day.
Similar initiatives have been discussed or already implemented in various European countries in recent months.
