A 10-day experiment aimed at reducing the use of smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices during the school day has begun in several hundred schools across France, according to BFMTV.
From May 13 to 22, more than 117,000 children — from preschoolers to high school students — are participating in a “digital detox” initiative. Students are required to store their electronic devices in designated lockers for the entire school day. Parents, teachers, and school staff are also encouraged to refrain from using their devices on school grounds and during breaks.
Organizers describe the initiative as a way to promote responsible digital habits and support mental well-being. The goal is to raise awareness about screen dependence and encourage students to rethink their daily routines.
During the experiment, schools will offer more activities focused on face-to-face communication and exploration. Students can also earn points for voluntarily avoiding devices outside of school hours — in the morning, during lunch breaks, and after returning home.
Some French schools have already implemented full-day bans on mobile phone use. Similar measures are being introduced or discussed in other European countries as well. In Latvia, for example, mobile phone use has been banned for students in grades 1 to 6, while the Finnish parliament has approved legislation allowing schools to restrict phone use during lessons.
