France Becomes First EU Country to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15
The law makes France the first EU country to set a national social media age limit, with phone use also barred in high schools.
- French lawmakers on Tuesday adopted a bill banning children under 15 from using social media, making France the first country in the European Union to approve a blanket ban on the platforms.
- According to France's health watchdog, 90% of children between 12 and 17 use smartphones daily, with 58% accessing social networks, indicating risks like reduced self-esteem and exposure to harmful content.
- Paris resident Berbonde, 52, campaigned for the bill after her daughter's social media use led to anorexia and depression; several families in France have sued TikTok over teen suicides linked to harmful content.
- President Emmanuel Macron intends for the ban to take effect by the start of the school year in September, though legal advisor Ines Legendre of Enfance noted the law requires addressing existing accounts and age verification.
- Lawmakers from the France Unbowed party opposed the measure, citing concerns over constitutionality and enforcement, while the legislation excludes online encyclopedias and educational directories alongside a ban on mobile phones in high schools.
249 Articles
249 Articles
France votes to ban social media for children under 15
French lawmakers have approved a ban on social media for children under the age of 15, making France the first country in the European Union to adopt such a measure. Children will be barred from platforms deemed harmful and will need parental permission to access other social networks. The measure was approved on Tuesday and is due to take effect on September 1, at the start of the new school year. The Constitutional Council must review the legi…
France becomes first EU nation to ban social media for children under 15: Here's what changed
France has approved a landmark law banning children under 15 from using social media, becoming the first EU nation to pass such legislation. The measure, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to protect children from harmful online content and mental health risks.
France is the first EU country to introduce a social media ban for children and young people under the age of 15. In the evening, the Senate and the National Assembly voted by a large majority for a corresponding bill. At President Macron's request, the new law will come into force after the summer holidays.
France is now one of more than 20 countries that has taken measures to regulate children ' s access to social networks.
On Tuesday, the French Parliament passed a definitive law prohibiting access to social networks for children under the age of 15.
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