Seine-Port's bold move: Public smartphone use prohibited to foster healthier living

An unexpected ordinance has been passed in Seine-Port in the Seine et Marne department, France. On Saturday, February 3rd, the populace voted for the abolition of smartphone use in public domains.

The proposed prohibition was backed by 146 individuals, while 126 opposed it. Only 272 voters participated, yielding a voter turnout of less than 20 percent.

"Citizens feel we are intruding into their lives. I do not want that! Nevertheless, there is a public health issue. We must help them," Vincent Paul-Petit, the mayor of Seine-Port, told "Le Parisien".

The prohibition will apply to nearly all public areas. Public accessibility to smartphones will be disallowed around schools, in shops, while strolling on the street, or during the communal assembly of town residents in public or associational spaces.

The town council has also provided a few suggestions. The mayor advocates for children to abstain from using screens (TV, smartphone, tablet, and game console) in the morning, at mealtimes, or in the evening before going to sleep.

The council has proposed to create a sports zone and film club for children and youth. Elementary and secondary school students will be given simple phones for communication if their parents pledge that they will not purchase a smartphone until high school.

Despite the small size of Seine-Port, the new prohibition has significantly divided the residents. Young ones argue that there is a lack of activities in their towns due to the absence of cultural centers and organized events.

The regulation doesn't impose any penalties for non-compliance. It is symbolic, designed to encourage residents to put their phones on hold.