France moves closer to banning social media for under-15s

France is advancing plans to restrict social media access for children under 15, as President Emmanuel Macron pushes for stricter digital safeguards aimed at protecting young users. The proposed legislation, currently under debate in parliament, could make France one of the first European Union countries to implement such a ban.

The lower house, known as the National Assembly, has already approved a bill requiring social media platforms to block new users under 15 and suspend existing accounts belonging to children in that age group. Authorities hope to enforce the law as early as September. However, the Senate has introduced amendments that may delay final approval, including a proposal for a two-tier system that distinguishes between harmful platforms and those accessible with parental consent.

The debate comes amid growing concern over the impact of platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram on adolescent mental health. French officials, supported by advocacy from First Lady Brigitte Macron, argue that young users are increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying and harmful content online.

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Critics, however, warn that banning children from social media may be an oversimplified solution. Some child protection groups argue that platforms themselves should be held accountable rather than restricting access for minors. Others have described the proposal as excessive and difficult to enforce.

Implementation remains a key challenge. Effective age verification systems are still under development at the European Union level and are not expected to be fully operational until 2027. Concerns also persist that young users could bypass restrictions using virtual private networks or alternative platforms.

Despite these hurdles, France’s initiative reflects a broader global trend, with countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Austria introducing or considering similar measures to regulate children’s online activity.