French lawmakers approve a sweeping social media ban for children under 15

France has officially passed a law banning children under 15 from using social media platforms. The decision establishes the country as the first in the European Union to implement a blanket prohibition on such sites for minors. This measure follows mounting concerns about the impact of digital content on the mental well-being of young people.

Both chambers of the French Parliament voted in favor of the legislation, which marks a significant policy point for President Emmanuel Macron’s second term. The new law also restricts the use of mobile phones in high schools. Supporters of the bill point to documented links between social media usage and serious mental health challenges including depression and self-harm. Parental groups expressed strong support for the move as a necessary step to protect minors from addictive online environments.

Implementation is scheduled for the start of the school year in September. However, the law currently awaits a constitutional review to ensure it aligns with French legal standards. Legal advisers note that the path toward enforcement requires addressing technical hurdles, such as age verification for both new and existing accounts.

According to national health data, a large portion of French teenagers spend significant time on smartphones daily. Many of these sessions are dedicated to social networking. The French government intends for this law to serve as a model for broader European efforts. Other nations are monitoring the situation as they consider their own restrictions. The European Commission continues to evaluate how national bans interact with existing digital safety rules across the continent.