“France Takes a Stand: MPs Back Ban on Social Media for Under‑15s in Major Legislative Step

National Assembly approves bill to halt social media use by young teens

In a significant move that could reshape how young people in France interact with the digital world, members of the French National Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a bill that would ban access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15. The vote, which took place in Paris during a late‑night session on January 26–27, marks a pivotal milestone in the country’s efforts to address mounting concerns over mental health, online safety, and the influence of global tech giants on young minds. Lawmakers backed the measure by a vote of 116 to 23, advancing the legislation to the Senate for further consideration. �

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A “Major Step” in Protecting Youth

President Emmanuel Macron hailed the vote as a “major step” in safeguarding French children and teenagers, framing the proposed restrictions as essential in an era where digital platforms play an outsized role in everyday life. In a post shared on the social platform X, Macron underlined the urgency of the measure, urging lawmakers to fast‑track the bill so that it can take effect before the start of the 2026 school year on September 1. �

Daily Mirror

The legislation represents one of the strictest national attempts in Europe to regulate social media use among minors. If adopted in its current form, France would be among the first European countries to set such a firm age limit, following Australia’s world‑first decision in December to prohibit under‑16s from holding social media accounts. �

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Provisions of the Proposed Law

At its core, the draft legislation would make it illegal for social media platforms to allow children under 15 to access “online social networking services”. This broad wording covers standalone social networks and “social networking functionalities” embedded within other digital services. �

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The bill also proposes:

Mandatory age‑verification systems: Platforms would be required to ensure users are above the age threshold through robust identity checks. �

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Exemptions for educational and informational websites such as online encyclopedias. �

News Arena India

Extension of existing smartphone bans: Building on an earlier rule that prevents younger children from using phones in junior and middle schools, the new text would also apply restrictions in high schools, although details on enforcement vary. �

The New Indian Express

Backers say the combination of age verification and school policies is designed to create a comprehensive approach to limiting unhealthy online exposure during critical developmental years.

Why Lawmakers Back the Ban

Support for the bill crosses party lines, though the strongest advocacy has come from the presidential majority and centrist lawmakers. MP Laure Miller, who helped draft the legislation, argued in Parliament that social media are far from harmless and can disrupt reading habits, sleep patterns, and social development. “We are setting a clear boundary in society,” she told fellow MPs. �

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President Macron echoed these sentiments, stressing that children’s emotional well‑being should not be “for sale” or exploited by online platforms driven by advertising and algorithmic engagement. �

Daily Mirror

Proponents also point to rising rates of online bullying, anxiety, depression, and compulsive screen use among young teenagers — problems that many public health advocates link, at least in part, to social media exposure. France’s public health watchdog has previously flagged platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram as having detrimental effects on adolescents, particularly girls, though agency officials note that multiple factors contribute to mental health trends. �

The New Indian Express

Opposition Voices and Critiques

Despite the strong majority in favour, the bill does not enjoy unanimous support. Some lawmakers, child advocates, and digital rights proponents have voiced concern that the law oversimplifies complex societal issues and risks limiting freedoms without tackling root causes.

Critics warn that technology bans alone cannot replace parental guidance, education, and responsible platform design. They point out that age verification mechanisms raise privacy concerns and could lead to wider data collection on young people if poorly implemented. Others see the move as part of a broader trend toward state control over digital environments — a concern echoed in online discussions where commentators argue that age checks may lead to broader surveillance. �

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Some child protection groups have called instead for stricter enforcement of platform accountability, pushing companies to prevent harmful content and ensure safer online environments rather than barring access entirely. �

The New Indian Express

What Happens Next

While the National Assembly’s vote is a major legislative milestone, the bill still must be reviewed and approved by the French Senate, the upper house of Parliament. If the Senate adopts the bill without major alterations, it will return to the lower house for a final vote before becoming law.

Macron’s government has signalled it wants the law on the books in time for September 2026, aligning with the start of the new academic year — a timeline that would require swift action from both chambers of Parliament. �

Geo News

Additionally, European Union regulations and ongoing work on age‑verification frameworks could influence how the law is implemented and enforced — especially where cross‑border digital services are concerned.

Context: A Broader Trend

France’s move joins a growing global conversation about children, digital media, and online harms. Australia’s ban on under‑16s has already set a precedent, and several European countries are exploring similar measures. In some cases, lawmakers and regulators are focusing on age restrictions, digital literacy education, and platform responsibility rather than outright bans. �

euronews

Whether France’s pioneering approach will prompt similar laws elsewhere remains to be seen, but the debate is likely to intensify as governments grapple with balancing innovation, freedom of speech, digital inclusion, and child protection in the internet age.

Conclusion

The French National Assembly’s vote to back a social media ban for under‑15s represents a bold and controversial effort to protect younger generations from perceived digital harms. With strong political backing and public support, the proposal could soon become law — reshaping how millions of French children engage with digital platforms. However, practical challenges in enforcement, privacy concerns, and questions about effectiveness ensure that the debate will continue even after the bill’s final passage. �