The French commune has banned using smartphones in public places

Residents of the Seine-Port commune near Paris have made an unusual decision - to ban the use of smartphones unless necessary in public places.

The authorities held a referendum to limit the use of gadgets, prohibiting adults and children from scrolling their smartphones while walking down the street, sitting with others on a park bench, as well as in shops, cafes and restaurants. Parents of children are not even allowed to use phones while they are waiting for their children in front of the school gates. Those who get lost are asked to ask for directions rather than look at maps. However, it is still possible to make calls on smartphones outside the home.