French College Tests Phone Lockers to Combat Classroom Distractions

French Middle Schools Tackle Phone Distractions with New Locker System A new initiative is underway in a college in the Tarn-et-Garonne region of France to address the persistent problem of mobile phone use in classrooms. The College du Pays de Serres is piloting a system requiring students to store their phones in individual lockers upon arrival. This measure is part of a wider government push to ban phones in all middle schools, a move already officially in place since 2018 but often difficult to enforce. Principal Chakibe Boucheyoukh explains, "We have a 20-25 minute window for students to deposit their phones." Each student has an assigned locker with a corresponding number. This organized system aims to streamline the process and enhance supervision. Student reactions are mixed. One student commented, "It's normal, after all, to put your phone away so you don't use it in class." Another student highlighted concerns about potential misuse, stating, "Some students might take out their phones to film teachers and post it online." The principal acknowledges this concern but believes the system will greatly improve the learning environment. The success of this trial program in the Tarn-et-Garonne could influence the nationwide implementation of stricter phone policies in French middle schools, paving the way for a more focused learning environment.