France’s National Assembly has overwhelmingly approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15, a measure championed by President Emmanuel Macron to protect young people from excessive screen time and mental health risks. The legislation, which also includes a ban on mobile phones in high schools, now advances to the Senate for final approval.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The bill passed by a vote of 130 to 21 in an overnight session on January 26, following Australia’s similar ban for under-16s in December. If approved by the Senate, the ban would take effect for new accounts starting September 1, 2026, with platforms required to deactivate non-compliant accounts by December 31, 2026.
Deeper Dive & Context
Rationale and Concerns
Supporters argue the measure addresses growing concerns about online bullying, declining mental health, and developmental harm linked to social media. Macron framed the legislation as a defense against foreign platforms manipulating young minds, stating, "The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, either by American platforms or Chinese algorithms."
Political and Public Support
The bill enjoys broad political backing, including from centrist lawmaker Laure Miller, who called it a "battle for free minds." Far-right lawmaker Thierry Perez labeled social media a "health emergency." The European Parliament has also called for EU-wide age limits, though enforcement remains a national responsibility.
Implementation and Enforcement
Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, leading Macron’s Renaissance party, hopes the Senate will pass the bill by mid-February to meet the September 2026 deadline. The legislation targets platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube, requiring age verification and account deactivation for underage users.
Global Context and Criticism
France’s move follows Australia’s world-first ban for under-16s, with other countries like Britain, Denmark, Spain, and Greece studying similar measures. Critics argue enforcement challenges remain, particularly regarding age verification and platform compliance. Macron’s government emphasizes the need for "a clear boundary in society," framing the ban as a step toward protecting youth independence.