Paris, France. France’s National Assembly backed legislation to ban children under 15 years old from social media, citing growing concerns about online bullying and mental health risks. The bill now moves to the Senate before returning to the lower house for a final vote.
Scope of the proposed ban
The bill proposes banning under-15s from social networks and “social networking functionalities” embedded within broader platforms. It reflects rising public concern about the impact of social media on minors.
Vote and legislative process
Lawmakers voted 116 to 23 in favour of the bill. It will next be examined by the Senate before a final vote in the National Assembly.
Macron’s position and timing
President Emmanuel Macron has cited social media as one factor behind violence among young people and has urged France to follow Australia, where a ban for under-16s on social media platforms including Facebook META.O, Snapchat SNAP.N, TikTok and YouTube GOOGL.O took effect in December. Macron said he wants a French ban in place by the start of the next academic year in September.
Lawmakers’ arguments
“With this law, we are setting a clear boundary in society and saying social media is not harmless,” centrist lawmaker Laure Miller told the chamber while presenting the bill. “Our children are reading less, sleeping less, and comparing themselves to one another more,” she said. “This is a battle for free minds.”
International and European context
Australia’s ban is being studied in countries including Britain, Denmark, Spain and Greece. The European Parliament has called for the European Union to set minimum ages for children to access social media, though member states are responsible for imposing age limits.
How do you think a ban on social media for under-15s would affect young people’s online habits?