French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an accelerated ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, aiming to implement the measure as early as September, when the new school year begins. The proposal would place France among the most assertive countries in regulating digital platforms for minors.
Macron said he had instructed the government to activate an expedited legislative process, citing growing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety and behavior. Lawmakers are expected to introduce the bill in parliament within days.
In addition to the social media ban, Macron supports stricter rules on mobile phone use in schools. He has framed the issue as one of protection, arguing that children’s minds should not be exposed to constant digital manipulation driven by algorithms.
The French initiative follows a deadly school attack in the town of Nogent, which intensified public debate over youth violence and online influence. Macron has also signaled his intention to push for similar restrictions at the European Union level.
Globally, momentum is building. Australia became the first country to ban social media access for users under 16, forcing platforms like Instagram and TikTok to remove underage accounts. Poland is considering similar legislation, while the European Parliament has urged the adoption of a unified minimum age for social media use.
Supporters say such measures are long overdue, given the scale of digital exposure among children. Critics, however, question how governments will enforce age limits without infringing on privacy or placing excessive burdens on technology companies.
France’s move reflects a broader shift in how governments view social media—not just as private platforms, but as powerful actors shaping society. Whether the ban proves effective will depend on enforcement, cooperation from tech firms, and broader European alignment.