France approves ban on social media for under-15s
France approves ban on social media for under-15s
France moves to block under-15s from social networks as schools reopen, aiming to curb bullying and mental-health risks.
France's National Assembly has backed legislation to ban children under 15 from social media, a move lawmakers say is needed to shield minors from online harms. The bill, which also targets social networking functionalities embedded within broader platforms, passed 116 votes to 23 and now heads to the Senate before a final vote in the lower house. The government wants the ban in place by the start of the next academic year in September.
France would require platforms to block access for users under 15, reflecting broad concern over online bullying, sleep disruption, and the pressures of constant comparison that critics say harm young people. The proposal mirrors a growing trend in which countries are considering age-based access rules for digital services.
President Emmanuel Macron has singled out social media as a factor in rising youth violence, signaling a push to restrict minors' online exposure. The plan would follow in the footsteps of Australia, which introduced a under-16 ban on major platforms last December. Support for the measure is strong among lawmakers and much of the public, though critics worry about freedom of expression and enforcement challenges.
Beyond the social media ban, France is eyeing broader steps to curb tech use in schools, including discussions about mobile phones in high schools, part of a wider effort to create safer and healthier educational environments. If the Senate approves, the law could set a precedent for other countries debating similar age restrictions online.
