President Emmanuel Macron, whose Republic on the Move party holds a
commanding majority in the National Assembly, hopes for a speedy
passage through parliament, in time to impose the blanket ban before
the next academic year starts in September.
More than 90 percent of children aged 12 years or older have a
mobile phone in France, according to the bill. France's action has
stirred debate in other countries like Britain and Ireland on
whether they should take a cue from Paris on the ban in schools
nationwide.
"Mobile phones are a technological advance but they cannot
monopolize our lives," Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer told
LCI news TV channel.
"You can't find your way in a world of technology if you can't read,
write, count, respect others and work in a team."
Teachers are targeted too, following a late amendment by ruling
party lawmakers just as the bill was put to the lower house.
Minister Blanquer suggested that would not fly, saying: "I don't
think that's necessary".
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Some teachers have publicly derided their inclusion, including
Stephane Crochet of the UNSA teachers union, who told RTL radio it
was an insult to adult-age staff and also a security risk.
Supporters of the bill say smartphone usage among children of junior
and middle-school age has worsened cyber-bullying, eased access to
pornography and hampered the ability of youngsters to interact
socially.
Phone theft, racketeering and obsession with fashion brands were
other negatives justifying an attempt to strike a balance in
children's lives, the minister said.
Crochet said teachers needed phones in case of emergencies. The
Islamic State militant group has called on followers to target
schools because of their espousal of secular education.
(Writing by Brian Love; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
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