Macron Calls for Accelerated Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a push to fast-track legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. In a video statement released late Saturday, Macron declared his intention to have the ban implemented by September, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
Protecting Young Minds from Digital Manipulation
Macron delivered a forceful message regarding the vulnerability of young people in the digital landscape. "The brains of our children and our teenagers are not for sale," he stated emphatically. "The emotions of our children and our teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated. Neither by American platforms, nor by Chinese algorithms." This rhetoric underscores a growing governmental concern over the influence of foreign tech giants on youth mental health and development.
Aligning with Broader International Trends
This French initiative follows closely on the heels of similar considerations in the United Kingdom. The British government recently indicated it would explore banning young teenagers from social media as part of broader efforts to tighten online safety laws. These laws aim to shield children from harmful content and mitigate the risks associated with excessive screen time, creating a notable trend among Western nations.
Furthermore, Australia has already implemented a ban on social media use for those under 16. Officials report that this law has led to the revocation of access for approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children. The Australian experience has sparked intense debates on technology use, privacy, child safety, and mental health, serving as a potential model and catalyst for other countries contemplating comparable regulatory measures.
Alarming Statistics from French Health Watchdog
The push for this ban is supported by concerning data from France's national health authority. Their research reveals that:
- One in two French teenagers spends between two and five hours daily on a smartphone.
- Roughly 90% of children aged 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet.
- Among these users, 58% utilise their devices primarily for social networking activities.
A December report from the watchdog highlighted a spectrum of detrimental effects linked to social media use, including:
- Diminished self-esteem among adolescents.
- Increased exposure to content promoting risky behaviours such as self-harm, drug use, and suicide.
The severity of these issues is illustrated by legal actions within France, where several families have filed lawsuits against TikTok. They allege a direct connection between harmful content on the platform and tragic teen suicides.
Legislative Pathway and Broader School Policy
Macron's office confirmed that the video address was directed at lawmaker Laure Miller, who is sponsoring the relevant bill. This legislation is scheduled for examination in a public parliamentary session on Monday, initiating the accelerated legal process Macron has demanded.
In his statement, Macron also reaffirmed a complementary policy: "We are banning social media for under-15s, and we are going to ban mobile phones in our high schools." He framed this as establishing a "clear rule" for teenagers, families, and educators alike, representing a comprehensive approach to reducing digital distractions and risks within the educational environment.
The French President's decisive move signals a hardening stance on digital regulation, prioritising child protection over unhindered platform access. As the bill progresses, it will likely fuel further international discourse on balancing technological innovation with the safeguarding of young people's wellbeing in an increasingly connected world.
