France, Sept. 1 -- French children heading back to school this week face stricter phone bans, tougher exams and new lessons in sexuality and AI, while Education Minister Elisabeth Borne is hoping a fresh start in classrooms will clear the political storm clouding her own future.

On Monday, 1 September, la rentree will see France's 12 million school pupils go back to class, with new rules and new exams to contend with.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Borne is facing mounting political uncertainty that could cut short her tenure. Digital 'detox'

One of the most visible changes this year is the extension of the "portable en pause" scheme, under which pupils are only allowed to use their phones on their break (pause in French).

While a 2...