School ban on phones

TEXTING under the desk was banned when French pupils returned to class yesterday after mobile phones in schools were prohibited.

The ban, a campaign pledge by President Emmanuel Macron, was brought in under a law passed in July that also banishes tablets and smartwatches from primary and junior high schools. High schools taking students aged 15 to 18 will also be allowed to initiate partial or total bans.

Advocates say the law will reduce distraction, and combat bullying and the spread of violent and pornographic content.