The French National Assembly has passed a bill in its first reading that proposes a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. The initiative is part of a broader legislative effort to safeguard the mental health and well-being of minors in the digital environment.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that 116 deputies voted in favor of the initiative during the parliamentary session. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the government to accelerate the adoption of the law, aiming for the restrictions to take effect by September 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
The head of state emphasized that the future of children should not be sacrificed for commercial interests. In a post on the X social media platform, Macron stated:
he noted, highlighting the need for digital sovereignty and child protection."The brains of our children are not for sale to American platforms or Chinese television channels,"
This move by France aligns with a growing global trend where governments are increasingly scrutinizing the impact of social media algorithms on youth development. Similar discussions regarding age verification and parental consent are currently being held in several European Union member states and other international jurisdictions. The legislation aims to mitigate risks such as cyberbullying, screen addiction, and exposure to inappropriate content, reflecting a shift toward stricter digital regulation for the younger generation.
