Texting under the table is something you can relate to every school.

However, for French schoolchildren, it will become a thing of the past after they return to class on Monday following a countrywide ban on digital devices in schools.

The new rule, which is a campaign pledge of French President Emmanuel Macron, was commenced under a law passed in July. The law banishes smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets from primary and junior schools.

However, High Schools teaching students aged 15-18 can implement total or partial bans on electronic devices as they reopen after the summer break. Nevertheless, according to sources, this will not be mandatory.

The primary reason why the French Government has taken such a bold step is that it will reduce distraction in the classroom, encourage children to be more mentally and physically active during the class, and combat bullying.

During a statement, the French Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said that it is good that kids aren’t in front of the screens before the age of 7.

The law will affect junior and secondary schools across the nation from when children return after summer holidays on August 5, Monday.

Blanquer said that if schools wish to make it even more transparent, they can enforce the rule on children over 15 as well.

However, the rule will not be applicable to students with disabilities. For students above 15 years of age, the new “law for the 21st century” requires them to turn off their smartphones or keep them in lockers during the class.

The new law is intended to improve children’s social skills along with their behavior.

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