France to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15
France is set to introduce a ban on social media use for children under 15 years old, along with limiting cellphone access in high schools starting next year, according to local reports.
The initiative aims to reduce screen time and protect young users from online dangers, including harmful content. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concerns about social media’s role in increasing violence among youth.
A draft law states, “Numerous studies highlight the risks of excessive screen use among teenagers.” It points out that unrestricted online access exposes children to inappropriate material and could lead to issues like cyberbullying and disrupted sleep patterns.
Following Australia’s lead, which recently enacted a similar ban for children under 16, Macron plans to present the proposal to Parliament in January, aiming for implementation by September.
Macron has previously advocated for uniform regulations across the European Union, especially after a tragic incident involving a school stabbing earlier this year.
Since 2018, France has already prohibited cellphone use in elementary and middle schools. However, challenges like EU legal regulations and enforcement continue to complicate efforts to ensure children’s online safety.
In 2023, France attempted to establish a “digital legal age” requiring parental consent for minors on social media, but it was blocked by EU rules. Recently, the European Parliament also called for minimum age requirements for social media platforms to address mental health concerns among adolescents, but the final decisions lie with individual member states.
