France tests banning mobile phones in middle schools | DW News

Summary

France is testing a smartphone ban in 180 middle schools as part of a 'digital pause' to limit children's screen time, with a potential nationwide ban by 2025. Other European countries like the Netherlands, Greece, and Belgium are also implementing similar restrictions. While some parents support the ban, others highlight the importance of communication during the school day. Experts suggest that instead of a complete ban, promoting responsible phone use could better prepare students for the digital world. Studies on the impact of phone bans on students' well-being show mixed results.

Takeaways

• 📱 France is testing a mobile phone ban in 180 middle schools as part of a 'digital pause' for students.
• 🏫 If successful, the trial could lead to a nationwide ban on smartphones in French schools by 2025.
• ⏰ The ban requires students to lock away their phones for the entire school day, including during recess.
• 📉 The initiative aims to reduce screen time, as excessive use is believed to hinder children's development.
• 🔒 Other European countries, like the Netherlands, Greece, and Belgium, are implementing similar restrictions on smartphones in schools.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Some parents are supportive of the ban, citing concerns over lost or stolen phones and agreeing to it if they can still contact their children before and after school.
• 🇬🇧 In the UK, schools also follow a mobile phone ban policy, though individual schools have the flexibility to decide how strictly to enforce it.
• 📚 A developmental psychologist suggests that a complete ban might miss opportunities to teach children responsible phone use, advocating for policies that foster digital resilience.
• 📊 Research in Germany shows mixed results on phone bans' impact on student well-being, with some studies showing benefits and others showing no significant effects.
• 👩‍🏫 The psychologist recommends that schools work with students to create mobile phone policies that encourage responsible use, rather than imposing outright bans.

Q & A

What is the purpose of France's 'digital pause' in middle schools?

The 'digital pause' aims to reduce children's screen time and address concerns that smartphones can hinder their development.

How is the smartphone ban being implemented in French middle schools?

Students in the 180 schools participating in the trial must hand in their smartphones for the entire school day, including during recess.

What concerns do parents have regarding the smartphone ban in French schools?

Some parents are concerned about not being able to reach their children during the school day, but many feel reassured that phones won’t be lost or stolen.

What is Sarah Rose's perspective on completely banning smartphones in schools?

Sarah Rose believes that a complete ban may not be the best solution. Instead, she advocates for teaching children responsible phone use and integrating phones into school life in a controlled way.

How do mobile phone bans vary across schools in the UK?

In the UK, policies vary by school. Some schools require students to leave phones at home, others collect phones during the day, and some simply restrict phone usage during lessons and breaks.

What is the argument for allowing phones in schools according to Sarah Rose's research?

Rose's research suggests that having phones in schools but restricting their use can help children build digital resilience and make mature decisions about when to use technology.

What evidence supports the argument that banning smartphones improves students' well-being?

A study from the University of Alburg in Germany found that banning smartphones increased students' social well-being, as they were more engaged with their surroundings.

Why do some studies show conflicting results regarding the effects of smartphone bans in schools?

Different studies have shown varying impacts on children's well-being and educational attainment, with some finding benefits and others showing little to no effect.

How might smartphone bans affect students’ academic performance?

Research suggests that bans may benefit lower-achieving students by reducing distractions, but high-achieving students may not experience the same academic improvements.

What approach does Sarah Rose recommend regarding mobile phone policies in schools?

Rose recommends involving students and parents in developing mobile phone policies to encourage responsible use, rather than enforcing a complete ban.