France Plans Under‑15 Social Media Ban

Macron says social media has encouraged violence among young people
Mobile phones are banned in French primary, middle schools since 2018
Reported changes would include extending mobile phone ban to high schools

New Restrictions Target Online Risks for Minors

France is planning to prohibit children under 15 from using social media sites and to extend an existing mobile‑phone ban to high schools beginning in September 2026. Local media reported that the government intends to introduce draft legislation in early January to establish legal checks for enforcing the new rules. President Emmanuel Macron (pictured) has repeatedly linked social media use to rising youth violence and has expressed interest in following Australia’s recent under‑16 ban. His New Year’s Eve address did not mention the proposal, though he emphasized the need to protect young people from excessive screen exposure.

The Elysee and the prime minister’s office declined to comment on the reports. Mobile phones have already been banned in French primary and middle schools since 2018, and the new measures would extend that policy to older students. Middle schools in France serve pupils aged 11 to 15, meaning the proposed restrictions would directly affect this age group. A 2023 law requiring parental consent for under‑15s to create social media accounts remains difficult to enforce due to technical limitations.

Macron has long argued that social media contributes to harmful behavior among young people. He has pointed to online platforms as a factor in several high‑profile incidents involving youth violence. The proposed ban is part of a broader effort to reduce minors’ exposure to online risks. Public debate around the issue has intensified as concerns about mental health and digital safety grow.

The government’s plan reflects a shift toward more interventionist digital policy. France has increasingly focused on regulating online platforms, particularly in areas affecting children. The upcoming legislation is expected to outline verification mechanisms and enforcement responsibilities. Details of how platforms will implement age checks have not yet been disclosed.

Push for EU‑Wide Action on Youth Safety

Macron has also called for European‑level regulation to restrict social media access for children under 15. He renewed this push in June after a fatal school stabbing in eastern France prompted national debate about youth safety. The European Parliament urged the EU in November to establish minimum age requirements for social media use to address rising mental health concerns among adolescents. Member states, however, retain authority over age‑limit enforcement.

Several countries have already taken steps to regulate children’s access to social media. Australia introduced a world‑first ban for under‑16s in December, covering platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. France’s proposal would align it with this emerging global trend. Policymakers argue that stronger protections are needed as digital platforms become central to young people’s daily lives.

The EU has been expanding its regulatory framework for online platforms through initiatives such as the Digital Services Act. These rules aim to increase platform accountability and reduce harmful content. Age‑based restrictions could become a future area of harmonization if member states support coordinated action. France’s advocacy may influence upcoming discussions at the European level.

Macron’s call for EU‑wide measures reflects concerns that national policies alone may be insufficient. Cross‑border platforms operate at a scale that complicates enforcement. Coordinated regulation could help ensure consistent protections across the bloc. The debate is likely to continue as more countries consider similar restrictions.

Political Context and Public Support

The proposal comes at a politically sensitive moment for Macron. His decision to call parliamentary elections in 2024 resulted in a hung parliament and triggered one of France’s most significant political crises in decades. A succession of weak governments has complicated his domestic agenda. Measures aimed at protecting minors online may offer an opportunity to regain public support.

Opinion polls suggest strong backing for stricter controls on youth social media use. A 2024 Harris Interactive survey found that 73% of respondents supported banning under‑15s from accessing social platforms. This level of support indicates that the proposal may resonate with a broad segment of the population. Public concern about online harms has grown as reports of cyberbullying, harassment and exposure to inappropriate content increase.

The government’s focus on digital safety aligns with broader societal anxieties. Parents and educators have raised concerns about the impact of social media on attention, behavior and mental health. Policymakers view age‑based restrictions as one tool among many to address these issues. The upcoming legislative process will determine how the measures are implemented.

France’s approach may influence other countries considering similar policies. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing digital access with child protection. As technology evolves, governments are reassessing how to regulate online environments for younger users. The coming months will reveal how France’s proposal fits into this global conversation.