Legal Ban on Social Media Use for Under-15s in France

French lawmakers have passed a bill that will prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, a move aimed at protecting young people from the potentially harmful effects of excessive screen time. The initiative has been welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who described it as a “significant step forward” in safeguarding the well-being of children and adolescents.

The bill was voted on Monday evening in the National Assembly, the lower house of France’s Parliament, following extended debate. It received the support of 130 members, while 21 opposed it. The legislation now moves to the upper house, the Senate, for approval. If passed there, it will become law.

President Macron, in a post on the social media platform X, emphasised that the measure represents a major advancement in protecting the country’s young population. The proposed law also includes provisions to continue the existing ban on mobile phone usage for students in French high schools, reinforcing the focus on limiting digital exposure during school hours.

France will become the second country to implement such strict age-based restrictions, following Australia, which passed a similar law last December restricting social media use for children under 16. Experts have long raised concerns about the impact of prolonged screen time on children’s mental and physical health, warning that it can hinder normal development and increase the risk of mental health issues.

In a video message released last Saturday, President Macron underlined the importance of ensuring that children’s emotions are not treated as commercial commodities, nor manipulated by algorithms operated by foreign technology companies.

Authorities plan to enforce the restriction for all new accounts starting with the 2026 academic year. Former French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a leading member of Macron’s Renaissance party, indicated that the Senate is expected to pass the bill by mid-February, enabling the ban to take effect from 1 September 2026. Existing accounts that do not meet the age criteria will be required to be closed by social media platforms by 31 December 2026. Implementing the law will necessitate a reliable age verification system, which is currently being developed at a European level.

Meanwhile, nine child protection organisations have urged lawmakers to hold social media platforms themselves more accountable, rather than directly banning children from access.

Key Details of the French Social Media Bill

The legislation reflects growing international concern over the effects of digital exposure on youth and marks a significant step in balancing technological engagement with the protection of children’s mental and emotional well-being.