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France Bans Social Media Use for Children Under 15, Leading EU Efforts to Protect Youth Online
Paris – In a groundbreaking move, French lawmakers have approved legislation prohibiting children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, positioning France as the first European Union country to implement such a sweeping ban. The bill, passed by both chambers of Parliament on Tuesday, also includes a ban on mobile phone use within high schools.
This initiative is a centerpiece of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term agenda, reflecting rising global concerns about the potential harm of digital content on young people’s mental health. The law aims to address issues highlighted by families who have taken legal action against TikTok, linking the platform’s content to teen suicides.
Gaëlle Berbonde, a Paris-area mother and advocate for the bill, shared a personal account of her daughter’s struggles after receiving her first smartphone. “We have no other option but to protect our children, just as we protect them from alcohol,” Berbonde said. Her daughter faced severe mental health challenges, including anorexia and depression, but has since recovered.
President Macron is pushing for the law to be enforced by the start of the new school year in September, although a constitutional review may delay its rollout. The legislation exempts online encyclopedias and educational or scientific resources.
While the measure has garnered support from parents and child welfare groups, it faces criticism from the left-wing party France Unbowed, which questions its constitutionality, enforceability, and potential impact on online anonymity. Legal experts also note challenges in implementing age verification and handling existing accounts of minors.
According to France’s health authorities, half of all teenagers spend between two to five hours daily on smartphones, with 90% of children aged 12 to 17 using them regularly to access the internet. Over half engage with social networks, where exposure to harmful content can contribute to lowered self-esteem and risky behaviors.
The final version of the bill was adjusted following discussions to ensure alignment with the EU’s Digital Services Act, a regulatory framework aimed at enhancing online safety.
Global Trend Toward Social Media Restrictions for Children
France’s action reflects a broader international movement to safeguard young users from the risks associated with social media. Earlier this year, Australia became the first country to ban social media use for children under 16, holding platforms accountable with substantial fines for non-compliance.
In Europe, Spain, Denmark, Greece, and the United Kingdom are exploring or implementing similar restrictions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently advocated for limits on children’s social media access, recommending a ban for those under 13 until platforms can demonstrate safety. She emphasized the need to protect very young children from screen exposure and called for tech companies to address addictive features like infinite scrolling.
As digital regulation evolves, the European Commission is expected to propose unified measures for all EU member states in the near future, reinforcing the continent’s commitment to protecting its youngest citizens in the digital age.