- France’s lower house approves a bill banning social media access for children under 15.
- Platforms must introduce strict age verification and deactivate non-compliant accounts by 2026.
- The proposal heads to the Senate, with EU oversight shaping enforcement.
The France social media ban under 15 moved a step closer to becoming law after the National Assembly approved landmark legislation aimed at restricting minors’ access to online networking platforms. Lawmakers cited rising concerns over screen addiction, mental health risks, and the influence of digital algorithms on children.
If enacted, the measure would take effect from the start of the 2026 school year, initially targeting new user accounts.
National Assembly Vote Signals Strong Political Backing
After an overnight debate, the lower house passed the bill by 130 votes to 21. The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration before it can be signed into law.
The proposal forms part of a broader push in France to regulate children’s digital exposure more strictly.
Macron Backs Tighter Child Protection Measures
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the vote, calling it a decisive step to shield teenagers from excessive screen time and addictive platform designs.
The bill also proposes a mobile phone ban in high schools, expanding existing restrictions introduced in 2018 for younger students in lower secondary schools.
Age Verification and EU-Level Coordination
Under the framework, social media companies will be required to implement robust age-verification systems. Platforms must also deactivate accounts that do not comply by the end of 2026.
The European Commission has indicated that enforcement must align with EU regulations, suggesting that age-verification standards may be coordinated across member states.
Debate Over Digital Regulation Intensifies
Supporters argue the law could curb cyberbullying, harmful content exposure, and worsening adolescent mental health, concerns flagged by France’s public health agency ANSES.
Critics, including members of the France Unbowed party and some child rights groups, describe the proposal as digital paternalism. They argue that governments should instead impose stricter accountability on tech platforms rather than blanket bans on young users.
If approved by the Senate, France would join countries like Australia, which has already imposed similar age-based restrictions, signaling a global shift toward tighter controls on children’s digital access.
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