What would we do without our phones? Nowadays, many people are glued to their screens all day long - at work, on public transport, in the street - sometimes at the risk of forgetting what's going on around them. It's a behavior that has also affected the very young, making it difficult for them to concentrate and pay attention, even at school. In a commune in the Seine-et-Marne region of France, residents were asked to vote on whether or not to ban smartphones from public spaces. Nearly 300 people out of 2,000 took part, with a 54% "for" result, to within twenty votes!
In Seine-Port, the referendum led to the creation of a screen-free charter, with a view to offering children alternative activities. In a few days' time, the mayor will issue a decree banning the use of screens in front of schools, in shops, while walking down the street, or in groups in the same place. However, it will be a matter of good will on the part of residents, since no sanctions are envisaged.
The charter is valid in the public space, but can also be applied in the home, with advice to avoid screens in the morning, at the table, in the bedroom and before going to bed. In return, the town plans to create a sports area and a film club to keep youngsters occupied in a different way.
