Ban on Social Media for Children in France
France plans to ban the use of social media for children under 15 starting in September 2026. This initiative is part of a broader policy aimed at protecting youth from the negative impact of digital technologies. The ban on mobile phones in schools, which has been in place since 2018, currently applies only to primary and junior high school students.
According to a law passed in 2023, social media platforms are required to obtain parental consent to register children under 15. This decision was emphasized by French President Emmanuel Macron, who in June 2023 called on the European Union to introduce a blanket ban on access to social media for children of this age. In November 2023, the European Parliament also supported the idea of establishing a minimum age for using social media, reflecting a growing concern for children's safety in the digital environment.
Public Support and Consequences
Results from a Harris Interactive survey in 2024 showed that 73% of French citizens support the ban on social media for children under 15. Emmanuel Macron pointed out that
“social media contributes to the rise in violence among youth and harms the mental health of teenagers.”This highlights the importance of such measures to protect the younger generation.
The implementation of this ban could be a significant step in addressing issues related to digital technologies and their impact on youth. Growing public support, along with initiatives at the European Union level, indicates that the safety of children in the digital space is becoming a priority for many countries. It may also encourage other nations to consider similar measures to protect their citizens in a world where technology plays an increasing role in everyday life.