Seine-Port is introducing restrictions on phone use in streets, shops and parks – but young people say there’s little else to do

A picture of a smartphone with a red line through it serves as a warning in the window of a hairdresser’s shop in a French village that has voted to ban people scrolling on their phones in public. “Everyone is struggling with too much screen time,” said Ludivine, a cardiology nurse, as she had her hair cut into a bob, leaving her phone out of sight in her bag. “I voted in favour, this could be a solution.”

Seine-Port, in the Seine-et-Marne area south of Paris, with a population of fewer than 2,000 people, last weekend voted yes in a referendum to restrict smartphone use in public, banning adults and children from scrolling on their devices while walking down the street, while sitting with others on a park bench, while in shops, cafes or eating in restaurants and while parents wait for their children in front of the school gates. Those who might check their phone’s map when lost are instead being encouraged to ask for directions.

The village has also approved a charter for families on children’s use of screens: no screens of any kind in the morning, no screens in bedrooms, no screens before bed or during meals. If parents of teenagers sign a written agreement not to give their child a smartphone before the age of 15, the town hall will provide the child with an old-fashioned handset for calls only.

  • EatATaco
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    4 months ago

    Edgy 14 year olds always set the bar for reasonableness.

    • TK420@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      If fellow adult came up to me and asked me to put my phone away when I was in public I would kindly ask how I could help them fuck off. I don’t know what to tell you taco Tuesday, but the people that come up with this stuff and not anything useful….can get fucked.

      • EatATaco
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        4 months ago

        I get it, you pride yourself like acting like a child both online and in real life. Good for you.

        • TK420@lemmy.world
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          4 months ago

          I’ve been outraged for decades about people in public service position of powers not doing what’s in the best interest of others. I just oversimplified my general frustration with these ass clown type of people who are so fucking out of touch with reality, this is what we get: a steaming pile of shit that these people are proud of.

          Again, get fucked. This is not helpful at all, but makes them feel empowered like they have done something when in reality, they have just wasted countless hours.

          I don’t give a fuck about how you perceive me, but this type of thinking is getting us nowhere and has to stop.

          So please, at this point, how can I help you fuck off since you are just whining about my use profanity and I don’t give a fuck.

          • EatATaco
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            4 months ago

            Lol decades and you still talk like that? Holy shit, I figured you were a teenager.

            Also have to love the “let me write this long reply defending myself…but I don’t care what you think!” Transparent like a teenager too.

            Time to grow up, my man.

            • TK420@lemmy.world
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              4 months ago

              I had to dumb it down to your level, since you clearly don’t get it and still don’t.

              • EatATaco
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                4 months ago

                So you were dumbing it down for me so I can get it, despite us never having talked before … And you failed to do that. And you think this is insulting me. Hilarious.