Already banned in preschools, primary schools and middle schools since 2018, The use of mobile phones is now prohibited in high schools.Adopted in July then promulgated on August 24, 2026the measure concerns also connected objects like watches and headphones. It comes into effect this school year in all establishments in France, and therefore, in Saint-Martin.
At the Robert Weinum high school in La Savane, the administrative and teaching staff had anticipated the implementation of the measure in order to consider its practical application in this general and technological school of over 825 students. After considering areas where cell phones could still be allowed, the final decision was made toapply the ban to the entire high school.
“We are going to work gradually“We’re going to have to,” explains Laurence Lucien, senior education advisor. to redouble our patience mainly with our first and final year students, because unlike the second year students who come from middle school where it's already forbidden, they've gotten used to having their cell phones and headphones with them in the school.”
Supporting change
If sanctions are planned, they will not be the first resort. “We will start with warnings, and then it will escalate until confiscation. (…) It’s a learning phase for us too“You can’t change a habit overnight,” the head of student life reminds us.
The use of walkie-talkies for student support staff is also being considered. For the head of student life, it is essential that her team sets an example: “The rule must apply to everyone, otherwise we lose credibility.”
Starting today, posters reminding students of the ban have been put up in the office and the courtyard, and classroom sessions are planned to explain the new rule. Workshops and activities may also be offered during breaks to keep students occupied.
At Robert Weinum, phones were already banned in class and students sometimes had to leave them in bins at the entrance, particularly for prevent cheating, games or videosThis measure could also to help ease the school climate“We’ve had quite a few conflicts around mobile phones,” Laurence Lucien points out.
It remains to be seen how this new rule will be integrated into the daily lives of high school students. _DR
