In a significant legislative move, French politicians have approved a groundbreaking bill to ban social media access for children under the age of 15. The new law, which also enforces a prohibition on mobile phones within high schools, is scheduled to come into force starting in September 2026.
Overwhelming Parliamentary Support for Child Protection Measures
The legislation passed through the French parliament with a decisive vote of 130 in favour to 21 against. This strong majority underscores the widespread political consensus on the need to safeguard young people from the potential harms associated with excessive social media use.
Macron Backs Ban Citing Scientific Evidence and Public Demand
President Emmanuel Macron has been a vocal supporter of the bill, highlighting scientific recommendations and significant public demand as key drivers behind the initiative. The French government aims to protect children from manipulative algorithms and the negative impacts of prolonged screen time.
A recent report from a French health watchdog revealed that many teenagers spend substantial amounts of time on their smartphones. This extensive usage has raised serious concerns about reduced self-esteem and increased exposure to harmful or inappropriate content online.
Growing European Trend Towards Digital Age Restrictions
This French decision is part of a broader trend across Europe, where policymakers are increasingly focused on regulating children's access to social media platforms. In the United Kingdom, the government is actively considering similar bans targeted at young teenagers, reflecting a shared concern over digital wellbeing.
EU-Wide Minimum Age Proposal Gains Traction
At the European Union level, politicians are advocating for a bloc-wide minimum age of 16 for social media usage. This proposal aims to create a unified standard across member states, potentially simplifying enforcement and enhancing child protection measures continent-wide.
International Precedents and Implementation Outcomes
Australia has already implemented a comparable ban for individuals under the age of 16. The Australian initiative resulted in millions of social media accounts being revoked or restricted, demonstrating the practical challenges and scale of enforcing such digital age restrictions.
As France prepares to roll out its new law, the international community will be watching closely. The outcomes could significantly influence policy decisions in other nations, including the UK, as they grapple with balancing digital innovation against the imperative to protect young minds from online risks.
