France Assembly Approves Social Media Ban for Under-15s

France – (Web Desk) -France’s National Assembly on Monday approved a proposed law that would bar children under the age of 15 from using social media, citing rising concerns over online bullying and mental health harms. The legislation seeks to restrict minors from accessing social media platforms, as well as social networking features built into other digital services, reflecting growing public anxiety about the impact of online spaces on young users.

The bill was passed with a strong majority, securing 116 votes in favour and 23 against. It will now move to the Senate for review before returning to the lower house for a final decision.

President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly highlighted social media as a contributing factor to youth violence and risky behaviour. He has called on France to follow Australia’s lead, where a landmark ban on social media use for under-16s — covering platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube — took effect in December. Macron has urged lawmakers to ensure the ban is implemented before the next school year begins in September.

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Presenting the bill, centrist lawmaker Laure Miller told lawmakers the legislation sends a clear message that social media poses real risks to children and should not be treated as harmless.

“Our children are reading less, sleeping less, and comparing themselves to one another more,” she continued. “This is a battle for free minds.”

Australia’s social media ban is being studied in countries including Britain, Denmark, Spain and Greece.

The European Parliament has called for the European Union to set minimum ages for children to access social media, although it is up to member states to impose age limits.

There is broad political and public support in France for curbing minors’ access to social media.

Far-right lawmaker Thierry Perez said the bill responded to a “health emergency”.

“Social media has allowed everyone to express themselves, but at what cost to our children?” Perez said.

The French ban would require platforms to block access to young teenagers through age‑verification mechanisms compliant with European Union law.

Enforcing such bans can be difficult. Australia’s government acknowledged the rollout of its ban would be bumpy after children claiming to be under 16 flooded the country’s social media feeds with messages gloating about their continued ability to access networks.

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The French legislation also extends an existing ban on smartphones in junior and middle schools to cover high schools.

A Harris Interactive survey in 2024 showed 73% of the public supported a ban on social media access for under-15s.

Teenagers on the streets of Paris were split in their views. Some said they acknowledged the dangers associated with social media. Others felt a ban was excessive.