France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under‑15s

France’s National Assembly has approved a bill that would ban children under 15 from accessing social media platforms.
The proposal reflects growing political and public concern about online bullying, mental health risks, and the influence of digital platforms on young people.
Its passage marks a significant step toward one of Europe’s strictest approaches to regulating minors’ online activity.

Lawmakers Advance a Strict Age‑Limit Proposal

France’s lower house voted 116 to 23 in favor of legislation that would bar under‑15s from using social networks or social‑networking features embedded in broader platforms. The bill now moves to the Senate before returning to the National Assembly for a final vote. President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly linked social media to rising youth violence and has urged France to follow Australia’s example, where a similar ban for under‑16s took effect in December. His government hopes to implement the measure before the next academic year begins in September.

Supporters of the bill argue that social media has become a major source of psychological strain for young people. Centrist lawmaker Laure Miller, who presented the proposal, said the law establishes a clear boundary by acknowledging that social platforms are not harmless. She pointed to declining reading habits, reduced sleep, and increased self‑comparison among children as evidence of the need for intervention. Miller described the effort as a “battle for free minds,” emphasizing the importance of protecting minors from digital pressures.

Public Support and International Context

France’s initiative comes as several countries reassess how minors engage with online platforms. Australia’s ban is being closely watched by governments in Britain, Denmark, Spain, and Greece, all of which are considering similar restrictions. The European Parliament has also called for EU‑wide minimum age standards, though individual member states retain authority to set their own limits. Broad political support in France suggests that the proposal aligns with public sentiment.

A Harris Interactive survey from 2024 found that 73% of respondents supported banning social media access for children under 15. Lawmakers across the political spectrum have echoed concerns about the impact of digital platforms on mental health and social development. Far‑right representative Thierry Perez described the situation as a “health emergency,” arguing that the risks to children outweigh the benefits of unrestricted access. His comments reflect a wider belief that social media’s open environment has created unintended consequences for younger users.

Implementation Challenges and Expanded School Restrictions

The bill requires platforms to block access for young teenagers using age‑verification tools that comply with European Union regulations. Enforcing such measures, however, remains a significant challenge. Australia’s government has already acknowledged difficulties after children claiming to be under 16 flooded social media with posts boasting about bypassing restrictions. France may face similar issues as platforms attempt to balance privacy concerns with effective verification.

The legislation also expands an existing ban on smartphones in junior and middle schools to include high schools. This extension aims to reduce distractions and limit exposure to online content during school hours. Some teenagers interviewed in Paris expressed mixed feelings about the proposal, with a portion acknowledging the dangers of social media while others viewed the ban as excessive. Their reactions highlight the complexity of regulating digital behavior among young people who rely heavily on online communication.