France plans to impose a complete ban on mobile phone use in 200 schools as part of an attempt to combat “hyperconnectivity”.

Starting this fall, students at 200 middle schools across the country will have to store their smartphones in lockers or leave them at the entrance for the duration of the school day.

They are currently prohibited from using mobile phones at school, but not from carrying them.

The ban is part of an attempt to give students a “digital break” from their devices, outgoing Education Minister Nicole Belloubet said on Tuesday. If the measure is successful, it will be introduced as a general ban next year.

The report follows the findings of a report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron in June that warned of the dangers of excessive screen time – or “hyperconnectivity” – among children.

“All the experts say that screen addiction is the breeding ground for all kinds of problems – harassment, violence, school dropouts,” Macron said.

“The whole of society must get involved”

The addiction can cause health problems such as sleep deprivation, obesity, depression, anxiety, addiction, cyberbullying and suicide, says the report titled “In Search of Lost Time.” The 142-page report was written by a team of 10 experts from fields such as neuroscience and psychiatry.

“A clear scientific consensus is emerging on the harmful effects of screens on various aspects of children and adolescents’ physical health,” they wrote. “Parents, teachers, content creators, administrators – the whole of society must get involved.”

Recommendations include: no screen time for children under three, no mobile phones before age 11, no mobile phones with internet access before age 13, and no access to social networks before age 15.

But not everyone agrees with a ban. David Lelong, a representative of the teachers’ union SE-UNSA, told French news channel BFM TV: “We are not convinced that cyberbullying between students will decrease with this measure, as we know that the majority of cyberbullying cases take place after class.”

Gregoire Ensel, a spokesman for the Association of Parents’ Councils, said the measure represents a security and logistical nightmare for school staff.

“Imagine 500, 800 students entering and leaving the school at the same time and then having to get their phones? That could cause security problems,” he added.