France has taken a significant step toward restricting children’s access to social media after lawmakers in the National Assembly approved legislation banning under 15s from using social networking platforms. The vote reflects growing concern among policymakers and the public over the impact of social media on young people, particularly in relation to online bullying, mental health, and exposure to harmful content. The bill was passed by a wide margin and will now move to the Senate for further debate before returning to the lower house for final approval.
The proposed law would prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms and social networking features embedded within other digital services. It would require technology companies to implement age verification systems that comply with European Union regulations. Supporters of the bill argue that social media has contributed to declining sleep, reduced reading habits, and increased social comparison among children, creating long term risks for cognitive and emotional development.
Emmanuel Macron has publicly supported the measure, linking social media use to rising youth violence and calling for stronger boundaries around digital exposure. He has urged France to follow the example set by Australia, which recently implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16. Several other European countries are closely monitoring these developments as governments across the region debate whether age limits should be standardized at a national or continental level.
The legislation also extends existing restrictions on smartphone use in schools, expanding a current ban in junior and middle schools to include high schools. Public opinion in France has broadly favored stronger regulation, with surveys showing strong support for limiting minors’ access to social platforms. While some teenagers acknowledge the risks associated with social media, others argue that enforcement will be difficult and that a blanket ban may go too far. As lawmakers move forward, attention is now turning to how effectively age verification can be implemented and enforced across major platforms.
