France Expands its 'Digital Break' Policy with Stricter Smartphone Regulations

France to Implement Nationwide Smartphone Ban in Primary and Secondary Schools Starting September Next Year

The French government has announced that it is considering expanding the smartphone ban, currently being piloted in some schools, to all primary and secondary schools starting September next year. This move, called "digital pause" (\"pause digitale\"), aims to address growing concerns about the negative impact of smartphones on children and adolescents. Alexandre Portes, the Minister of Education in charge of academic achievement, stated that he hopes this measure will be implemented nationwide by September 2025 at the latest.

What is the 'Digital Pause'?

"Digital pause" (\"pause digitale\") is a policy piloted by the French Ministry of Education in some middle schools since the start of the school year in September. It physically bans students from using smartphones. Pilot schools provide lockers where students deposit their smartphones upon arrival and retrieve them at the end of the school day. While France has allowed smartphone possession but prohibited their use in primary and secondary schools since 2018, effective control was lacking. Therefore, this "digital pause" policy represents a more forceful attempt to restrict smartphone use.

National Response to Protecting Children's Health

Minister Portes stated that France is facing a national crisis regarding this issue. He emphasized that protecting the health of young people is the duty of the nation and explained that this measure has a positive impact, helping adolescents to concentrate more on their studies. Schools that have piloted this measure have reportedly received positive feedback from students regarding increased academic focus.

Smartphone and SNS Regulation Movements in European Countries

Besides France, other European countries are also moving to regulate mobile phones and social networking services (SNS). The UK government issued guidelines earlier this year banning or restricting the use of mobile phones in schools, a measure currently being implemented in most schools in England. Furthermore, Labour MP, Jo McCallister, has submitted the "Safer Phones Bill" to the House of Commons, aiming to make all schools "mobile-free zones".

Strengthening Child Data Protection and Raising the SNS Age Limit

In the UK, there is also an ongoing plan to raise the age at which online companies can obtain data consent from children without parental permission from 13 to 16. This measure, along with strengthening the authority of OfCom (the communications media regulatory authority), aims to prevent children's exposure to addictive applications or services.

Norway Strengthens SNS Age Restrictions

Norway is also pushing for a bill to raise the age limit for SNS use from 13 to 15. This measure is intended to protect children from the \"power of algorithms\". According to a Norwegian government survey, more than half of 9-year-olds, 58% of 10-year-olds, and 72% of 11-year-olds are using SNS. This serious problem of children's SNS addiction is prompting the Norwegian government to take stronger action.

Future Outlook

France's "digital pause" policy is more than just a restriction on smartphone use; it represents a national effort to improve the health and learning environment of adolescents. With other European countries introducing or discussing similar measures, this trend is likely to spread further. Enabling young people to detach from the digital environment and focus on their studies and health has become a key task for governments worldwide.