Macron Promotes Offline Day to Reduce Youth Screen Time

French President Emmanuel Macron met with pupils in Villers-Cotterêts on April 16, 2026, to promote a new “Offline Day” initiative aimed at reducing screen time among young people. The visit took place at the Cité internationale de la langue française, where students participated in reading and theatre workshops.

The initiative, introduced by Macron during the school visit, encourages young people to take regular breaks from digital screens by engaging in offline activities such as reading books and participating in theatre. According to the French president, the goal is to provide healthy alternatives to excessive screen use, which has become a growing concern among educators and health officials.

Macron emphasized the cultural and educational value of books and live performance, stating that these activities foster imagination, concentration, and interpersonal skills in ways that prolonged screen exposure may hinder. The event was designed to showcase how structured offline time can be both enriching and enjoyable for students.

The “Offline Day” proposal comes amid broader discussions in France about limiting children’s access to digital devices. Earlier in April 2026, reports indicated that France had implemented a law banning smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches in schools for children under the age of 15, reflecting official concern over the impact of prolonged screen time on youth development and well-being.