Children Under 15 are Banned from Using Smartphones in France

ARTICLE:

At any time of the day, school children under 15 in France are not allowed to use their smartphones according to the new comprehensive policy.  The elementary and junior high school students all over the country will be affected by the restriction which was passed in July following the assurance given by the French President Emmanuel Macron. The newly implemented rule which took effect last August 5, 2019 prohibits not only cellular phones but tablets and smartwatches as well.  The regulation regarding the restriction of cellphones was started way back in 2010 that now extends to breaks and mealtimes.  The educational institutions have the liberty to make a decision whether they will execute the new order for students over 15 or not. Impaired learners are just one of the exemptions to the rule.  

Halting the usage of phones in schools was one of now French President Emmanuel Macron’s promise while barnstorming for president. According to the Associated Press, students have to shut down their mobile phones at day time or keep them in their lockers under the new policy. It also said that the school will solely deal systematization of how school children will be staved off from their phones. Despite the fear that pupils were becoming very dependent on and distressed by their smartphones, the new regulation was introduced. In June, Jean Michel Blanquer, the Education mister called the legislation “a law for the 21st century.” It was also reported by the Agence France-Presse that it would develop discipline among France’s 12 million schoolchildren. He also mentioned that being open to new technologies doesn’t mean that they have accept all their uses. 

VOCABULARY:  Look for the meaning of the words below then practice using them in making your own sentences. 

 

1.  comprehensive 

2.  restriction 

3.  assurance 

4.  execute 

5.  learners 

6.  halting 

7. barnstorming 

8.  systematization 

9. staved off 

10. distressed 

DISCUSSION: Express more of your ideas about the topic. 

What do you imagine when you hear the word technology? 

What came into your mind when you read the headline: “Children Under 15 are Banned from Using Smartphones in France”? 

In your opinion, should children under 15 be banned from using smartphones? Why? 

Are smartphones banned in the schools in your country? 

What do you think about the restriction? As a parent/student, do you agree or disagree with it? Why? 

What are the advantages of prohibiting smartphones in school? 

What are the disadvantages of prohibiting smartphones in school? 

Is your smartphone important to you? Why? 

When should children start using smartphones? Why? 

How often do you use your smartphone? 

What would you do if they will ban the usage of smartphones in your work place? 

 

 

Source: 

https://www.businessinsider.com/france-bans-children-using-phones-at-school-2018-9?utm_content=buffer89a67&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer-biuk&fbclid=IwAR0zjD_gp5RbwLcoIn5tlVRbRfEj3sOssuHna9isGyDelJ6SbzLwo_8MtuQ