Macron Announces Mobile Phone Ban Expansion to High Schools from 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to extend the mobile phone ban to high schools starting with the 2026 academic year. This follows the successful implementation of the ban in middle schools, known in France as "collèges," which became mandatory in September 2025 after experimental trials in around 100 schools.

The original ban, established by law in 2018, prohibits mobile phone use from kindergarten through middle school but has faced enforcement challenges. To address this, the "Portable en pause" initiative requires students to store their phones during class hours, typically in lockers or designated cases, minimizing distractions caused by social media and smartphone use.

Macron emphasized the importance of creating an environment conducive to learning and social interaction, stating, "The lycée is the place where you learn, and it’s the place where you exchange." He highlighted that extending the ban to high schools aims to foster such an atmosphere by reducing screen addiction and promoting mental health.

The president also touched on broader efforts to improve youth wellbeing, including ongoing national focus on mental health issues that will continue until 2026. Additionally, Macron mentioned the necessity of regulating social media platforms more strictly to combat misinformation and safeguard individual dignity.

This announcement was made during a discussion in Mirecourt, Vosges on November 28, 2025, reinforcing the government's commitment to enhancing the educational environment across all school levels by limiting access to mobile phones during school hours.