France Moves To Ban Social Media For Under-15s

France has taken a decisive legislative step to curb children’s exposure to social media, with lawmakers approving a bill that would prohibit access to online social networking platforms for users under the age of 15. The move reflects growing political and public concern over screen addiction, mental health, and the influence of digital algorithms on minors.

National Assembly Clears Landmark Bill

The bill was adopted by the lower house, the National Assembly, by a margin of 130 votes to 21 after an overnight debate. The legislation now heads to the French Senate for approval before becoming law. Authorities aim to enforce the measures from the start of the 2026 school year, beginning with new user accounts.

Macron’s Push For Child Protection

President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the vote, describing it as a major step towards protecting children and teenagers from excessive screen time and addictive digital platforms. The law would also introduce a ban on mobile phones in high schools, expanding France’s earlier restrictions on phone use in lower secondary schools introduced in 2018.

Implementation Timeline And EU Oversight

Under the proposed framework, social media platforms would be required to verify users’ ages and deactivate non-compliant accounts by the end of 2026. While backing France’s intent, the European Commission noted that enforcement must align with EU law, with age-verification mechanisms likely to be coordinated at the European level.

Important Facts for Exams

• France’s bill bans social media access for children below 15 years.
• The measure follows Australia’s earlier ban for users under 16.
• Age verification will be mandatory for social media platforms.
• EU law will influence enforcement across member states.

Debate Over Digital Regulation

Supporters argue the ban addresses cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and declining adolescent mental health, as highlighted by France’s public health watchdog ANSES. Critics, including members of the France Unbowed party and child protection groups, have termed the move digital paternalism, urging instead stricter accountability for platforms rather than blanket restrictions on young users.