France approves social media ban for children under 15
The measure would block under-15s from new accounts in September and close existing accounts from January 2027, pending constitutional review.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
France’s parliament voted Tuesday to bar children younger than 15 from social media, a measure that could reshape how major platforms operate in one of Europe’s largest markets. AFP and The Associated Press reported that the bill also prohibits students from using mobile phones in schools.
Lawmakers in both houses backed the legislation, according to AFP and AP. The agencies reported that the measure would make France the first European Union country to approve a broad social media ban for children, as governments weigh stricter limits on children’s online access.
President Emmanuel Macron, who promoted the policy during his second term, welcomed the vote. He called parliamentary approval “a major step forward” and said France was “leading the way in Europe” on protecting children and teenagers.
The law may not take effect immediately. Macron said in a social media video that France’s Constitutional Council must rule on the measure before officials can begin applying it, according to AFP and AP.
How the ban would work
French officials want the restrictions in place before the next school year, according to AFP and AP. Under the legislation, children under 15 would be blocked from opening new social media accounts from September 1.
The rules would later reach accounts that already exist. AFP and AP reported that the legislation applies the ban to existing accounts from January 2027.
Digital Minister Anne Le Henanff said accounts belonging to users under 15 would be shut down. “If someone is under 15, the account will be closed,” she said, while adding that personal data would be protected.
The measure does not cover all online services. AFP and AP reported that online encyclopaedias and educational or scientific directories are excluded from the ban.
Health concerns and opposition
The vote followed warnings in France about children’s exposure to social platforms. France’s public health watchdog said last year that platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram were harmful to adolescents, especially girls, though it said they were not the only factor behind worsening youth mental health, according to AFP and AP.
Several French families have also sued TikTok over teen suicides they say were connected to harmful content, the agencies reported. TikTok’s response to those cases was not included in the reports.
The left-wing France Unbowed party opposed the bill. Its lawmakers argued that the measure’s constitutional footing was uncertain, that it would effectively end online anonymity and that enforcement would be unworkable, according to AFP and AP.
Supporters included children’s advocates and parents. Gaelle Berbonde, a 52-year-old Paris-region resident, said campaigners backed the legislation because they saw few other ways to confront large technology companies. She compared the measure to rules that protect children from alcohol.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.