France seeks to make ban on cell phones in the classroom tougher

The French law banning the use of cell phones in schools by pupils up to fifteen years of age has been in effect since September. Now there is talk of making the law more rigid, restricting the use of telephones in courtyards and corridors as well. In Brazil, the use of cell phones in the classroom for non-pedagogical purposes is prohibited in 21 states.

The Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, said in an interview with French radio France Inter that the objective is to improve attention with less use of technology, reduce differences between students and also mitigate the cyber bullying. Jean-Michel Blanquer, hailed the legislation as "a law for the 21st century", and said it improves discipline among France's 12 million students.

The extension of the ban to courtyards and playgrounds would be excepted in emergency cases and for disabled children. In emergencies, students can ask their teachers or supervisors for permission to use their phones.

According to Agence France Presse, nearly 90% of French 12- to 17-year-olds have a cell phone, and advocates hope the ban will limit the spread of violence and pornography, as well as encourage children to engage in physical activity during playground.