One week into the school year, a new policy banning mobile phones at high schools in Toulouse has faced criticism, with students in Saint-Sernin finding ways to bypass the rule. Many are using their phones discreetly outside school grounds, and enforcement has been difficult due to a lack of supervisors and checks. Students reportedly don’t see the value in the ban or understand the government’s priorities, especially as the National Education system is currently dealing with a cyberattack that has disrupted digital services in the Toulouse area. According to students, the phone ban is more of a symbolic rule than a strict policy. Shani, a senior student, said the school isn’t overly strict and that it’s impossible for supervisors to monitor every student at all times. She noted that the rule doesn’t really change much in daily life. Anna, a 17-year-old student, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that there are no supervisors in the hallways to check on students, and in class, using phones was already prohibited before the ban. Students expressed frustration, feeling that the policy undermines their autonomy. One student complained that they are nearly 18 and preparing for the baccalaureate, yet are being treated like children. Anna added that there are no real consequences for breaking the rule. Many questioned the reasoning behind the ban, saying it doesn’t seem to address issues like bullying or the use of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the National Education system is struggling with the aftermath of a recent cyberattack, which has forced schools to rely on paper-based systems, similar to those used in middle school. Jade, a first-year student, explained that while some digital tools still function on computers, the main digital platform, ENT, is blocked. This has caused difficulties for both students and staff. Shani and others argued that the focus on the phone ban is misplaced, as more pressing issues like the cyberattack and disorganized school schedules are affecting their experience. However, some students acknowledged that the ban might encourage them to look up from their screens and engage more with the city around them.