France Moves to Ban Social Media for Kids Under 15
France is set to introduce legislation that could restrict social media access for children under 15. President Emmanuel Macron has called on lawmakers to fast-track the bill, aiming for approval before the new school year in September.
In a recent video shared by BFM-TV, Macron emphasized the importance of protecting children’s mental health. “The minds and feelings of our youth should not be exploited,” he stated, criticizing both American and Chinese platforms.
This initiative comes shortly after the UK government announced it is considering similar measures to shield children from harmful online content and excessive screen time.
Understanding the Risks of Social Media
According to France’s health authority, about half of teenagers spend between two and five hours daily on smartphones. A recent study revealed that around 90% of kids aged 12 to 17 use their phones to go online, with over half using social media regularly.
Health experts have raised concerns about heavy social media use, linking it to lower self-esteem and increased exposure to risky behaviors including self-harm and drug use. Several families in France have even sued TikTok for allegedly exposing teens to harmful content.
Legislative Steps Ahead
President Macron’s office mentioned that the video was directed at lawmaker Laure Miller, who is sponsoring the bill that will have its first public discussion soon. “We will ban social media for those under 15, and mobile phones will also be prohibited in high schools. This rule is straightforward: it’s clear for teenagers, parents, and educators,” Macron said.
If approved, France’s ban would align with steps taken in Australia, which recently enacted a similar restriction for kids under 16, limiting their access to platforms like Facebook and TikTok.
