France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s

Sat Jan 31 2026 19:10:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The National Assembly of France has taken initial steps towards implementing a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, backed by President Macron.

French lawmakers have supported a proposal to restrict social media usage for teenagers below 15, aiming to protect youth from potential mental health issues associated with social platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. The move aligns with global trends on regulating children's access to social networks. If approved, the legislation would enforce strict rules with eligibility checks, prioritizing the mental well-being of children in a digital age.

France's National Assembly has taken a first step towards banning social media access for under-15s, a measure that has garnered support from President Emmanuel Macron. Key elements of the bill were agreed upon by lawmakers on Monday, with a full vote anticipated soon in the lower house. Final approval is still required from the Senate.

If passed, the law would prohibit young teenagers from using popular platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, in a move that follows a global trend aimed at restricting children's access to social media amidst growing concerns about its impact on mental health.

Lawmakers argue that social media networks often mispromise to connect and inform, while instead leading to isolation and information overload. With this law we will set down a clear limit in society, remarked Laure Miller, a proponent of the bill.

Macron aims to have the legislation in place by the start of the new school year in September, emphasizing that the mental health of children should not be left at the mercy of profit-driven tech companies. The bill also proposes that a state media regulator designates harmful networks for a ban on under-15s, while less harmful sites could remain available with parental consent.

Approval of the bill seems likely, as Macron's party is expected to join forces with both center-right Republicans and the populist National Rally. Additionally, provisions to ban mobile phones in senior schools are under consideration, a practice already applied in junior schools.

The push for this legislation highlights a broader contemplation across Europe, with similar measures in discussions in Denmark, Greece, Spain, and Ireland, as well as current consultations in the UK about banning social media for individuals under 16.