The education committee of the Parliament of the French Community (FWB) has approved a decree banning the recreational use of mobile phones by students in schools, set to take effect in the upcoming school year.
This new regulation, which will cover all educational levels from kindergarten through to secondary school, aims to enhance student focus and improve the overall school environment.
Minister of Education Valérie Glatigny (MR) emphasized that the goal of the decree is not to vilify smartphones but to regulate their usage time, particularly among younger students.
“The goal is not to demonize this tool but to regulate its usage time among the youngest,” said Glatigny during her presentation of the decree to MPs.
The move has been adopted after similar bans have been implemented in several countries across Europe, including the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Italy, where the use of mobile phones in educational environments has been restricted or completely prohibited.
The ban is expected to improve the quality of learning by reducing distractions and enhancing concentration, which has been a key concern for educators and experts alike.
With smartphones often being a source of distraction, limiting their use will encourage students to focus more on their lessons.
This decision has been widely welcomed by the coalition parties (MR-Les Engagés), and the Socialist Party (PS), who supported the decree. However, opposition parties Ecolo and PTB chose to abstain from voting.
Details regarding the implementation of the ban, such as potential fines for non-compliance, will be left to individual schools to determine and incorporate into their internal regulations.
While the decree aims to limit recreational smartphone use, it will still allow for the educational use of mobile phones in classrooms.
Additionally, exemptions will be made for students with disabilities or those who need medical devices that require communication tools, ensuring that the ban does not hinder students’ access to necessary support.
This move builds on the French Community’s efforts to foster a more conducive learning environment.
It follows in the footsteps of similar policies across Europe, where many countries have embraced similar measures to combat the negative impact of mobile phones on student engagement and academic performance.
Previously, a limited version of this ban was introduced in the Wallonie-Bruxelles Enseignement (WBE) network, affecting just 373 schools.
Starting next school year, the regulation will extend to all schools in the French Community, ensuring a uniform approach across the region.
This policy contrasts with the situation in Flanders, where no general ban exists, although some individual schools have opted to impose restrictions on mobile phone use.
The new decree represents a significant step in the French Community’s approach to modernizing education and ensuring that students have a balanced and focused learning experience.
The draft decree is now set to be formally approved by the full FWB Parliament in a plenary session in the coming fortnight.
Once passed, it will mark a significant change in how mobile phones are managed within the education system, aiming to create an environment where students can thrive without the distraction of personal technology.
