France voted to ban digital devices from schools. A new law will prohibit students up to the age of 15 from bringing smartphones to school. The ban is part of a campaign to reduce smartphone addiction. In 2017, France's president promised to ban digital devices in schools. The education minister said the devices were harmful to children's development and a "public health crisis". The law protects children from the "phenomenon of screen addiction".
Students have not been allowed to use their devices in lessons since 2010. Many lawmakers do not believe the new ban is enough. They believe it is just a publicity stunt. Schools must decide themselves whether or not to apply the new law to 15-year-olds. Experts say the increased use of mobile devices causes cyber-addiction, sleep disruption and bullying. Opponents of the ban say it is a backward step. They say it will not increase learning.