Parliament Backs Tough New Digital Rules
French lawmakers have approved a major bill banning children under 15 from using social media platforms.
The measure makes France the first European Union country to approve a blanket social media ban for young users.
Both chambers of parliament supported the legislation.
The same bill also bans mobile phone use in high schools.
Online encyclopedias, educational directories, and scientific platforms will remain exempt from the restrictions.
France Targets Online Harm and Excessive Screen Time
The government says the law will protect children from harmful content and excessive smartphone use.
France’s health watchdog found that half of teenagers spend between two and five hours daily on smartphones.
Around 90 percent of children aged 12 to 17 use smartphones to access the internet every day.
The report also found that 58 percent use their devices for social networking.
Authorities have linked heavy social media use with lower self-esteem and greater exposure to dangerous online content.
This includes material related to self-harm, illegal drugs, and suicide.
President Emmanuel Macron strongly supported the legislation.
He said France was taking a leading role in protecting children and teenagers across Europe.
Age Verification and Privacy Concerns Remain
The biggest challenge will be enforcing the new ban.
Social media companies will likely be required to introduce stronger age verification systems.
However, the exact verification methods have not yet been announced.
France’s digital regulator, ARCOM, is expected to supervise enforcement once the law takes effect.
Legal experts warn that platforms may struggle to identify underage users.
Existing accounts owned by children under 15 could also create enforcement problems.
Privacy groups have raised concerns about the personal information required for age checks.
Some opposition lawmakers have also argued that the measure could be unconstitutional.
They say it may weaken online anonymity and create new privacy risks.
September Enforcement Could Face Delays
Macron wants the restrictions introduced before the new school year begins in September.
However, France’s Constitutional Council is expected to review the legislation.
That process could delay the planned rollout.
The law is part of a wider international push to restrict social media access for children.
Australia introduced a ban for users under 16 in 2024.
Platforms that fail to follow Australia’s rules can face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars.
Spain, Denmark, Greece, and the United Kingdom have also considered stronger restrictions for young users.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has supported tougher limits across the European Union.
France has now approved one of Europe’s strictest child social media laws.
Its success will depend on effective age checks that do not create new privacy or legal problems.
