US EditionMacron Urges Students to Go Offline One Day a Month and Read Instead
Macron said 1 monthly offline day could help students read and do activities as France weighs a ban for social media users under 15.
- On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron urged high school pupils in Villers-Cotterets to switch off phones, proposing a monthly "Offline Day" and a blanket social media ban for those under 15.
- Macron argued that platforms have "robbed" children of their attention, prompting draft legislation requiring platforms to delete accounts for users under 15 and refuse new registrations.
- To support this initiative, the president hosted a video call with other European leaders yesterday, pushing for a coordinated "digital majority" requiring age verification and limiting access.
- Across Europe, countries are weighing similar restrictions amid mounting safety concerns; Cyprus recently announced plans to set 15 as the minimum age for social media accounts.
- Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told social media executives yesterday to take responsibility for children's safety, demanding credible protections rather than "tweaks around the edges.
45 Articles
45 Articles
The President of the Republic visited Villers-Cotterêts (Aisne) at the Cité internationale de la langue française on Thursday 16 April to launch the "offline" day.
Thursday, April 16, 2026, the President of the Republic gave a small lecture at the Château Villers-Cotterêts, at the Cité internationale de la langue française. Together with a group of high school students, he tried to promote the reading and disconnection of social networks. But very quickly, his speech turned into a laugh when a student did not hesitate to tease him on his now very famous "for sure".
French President Emmanuel Macron suggested to young people to introduce one day a month when they will not look at mobile phone screens and devote themselves to reading, sports and things of real life, French media reported today.
kreiszeitung.de
merkur.deThe initiative calls on minors to log out of devices one day a month to reduce screen time and online exposure.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
