Concerned about youth screen addiction, the French government has banned smartphones and tablets in schools
The French Parliament passed a law banning smartphone and tablet use in elementary and middle schools this week.
Students will have to either leave their screens at home or keep them switched off during the school day.
The ban is intended to help students focus in school, and was created out of concern that students are becoming addicted to mobile phone use.
The country already banned “smart screens” during class hours in 2010, but starting this September they will be banned during lunch and breaks too.
High schools can decide individually whether to impose a partial or total ban on the devices.
Elementary and middle schools can make exceptions for educational use, extra-curricular activities, or disabled pupils.
Nine out of 10 French teens and 8 in 10 American teens own a smartphone.
A recent study found teen depression and suicide rates have risen in tandem with smartphone ownership over the last 8 years.
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