France Bans Social Media for Under-15s

What's happened

On January 26, 2026, France's National Assembly approved a bill banning social media use for under-15s and mobile phones in high schools, aiming to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. Championed by President Emmanuel Macron, the law follows Australia's under-16 ban and now moves to the Senate for final approval.

What's behind the headline?

France's Social Media Ban: A Pioneering Move

France's decision to ban social media use for under-15s represents a significant shift in digital regulation, following Australia's precedent with an under-16 ban. This legislation addresses mounting evidence linking excessive screen time and exposure to harmful content with declining mental health among adolescents.

Drivers Behind the Legislation

President Macron's administration has actively pushed for this law, framing it as a defense against manipulation by major tech platforms and foreign algorithms. The bill reflects broader societal concerns about children's well-being, mental health, and the influence of digital platforms.

Challenges and Enforcement

Implementing effective age verification compliant with EU law remains a critical hurdle. Australia's experience shows enforcement difficulties, including underage users circumventing restrictions. France's extension of mobile phone bans to high schools complements the social media restrictions but also raises questions about practical enforcement.

Broader Implications

This move signals a growing trend among democracies to regulate digital spaces for minors more strictly. It may prompt other EU countries to follow suit, potentially reshaping the digital landscape for young users. However, critics warn of risks such as pushing children toward unregulated online spaces.

Forecast

The bill's passage through the Senate will be decisive. If enacted, it will likely lead to increased pressure on social media companies to develop robust age verification systems and content moderation tailored to protect minors. The law could also catalyze further legislative efforts across Europe addressing online safety for children.

How we got here

Growing concerns over social media's impact on child development and mental health have prompted countries like Australia and France to impose age-based bans. France's legislation, inspired by scientific recommendations and public support, seeks to curb exposure to harmful content and addictive algorithms among minors.

Our analysis

France 24 highlights President Macron's framing of the ban as a defense against manipulation by "American platforms or Chinese algorithms," emphasizing the emotional and mental health risks to children. The outlet notes the bill's swift legislative progress and public support, with 73% backing a social media ban for under-15s in a 2024 survey. AP News underscores Macron's assertion that "children’s brains should not be for sale to platforms," while acknowledging some opposition from civil liberties advocates. Al Jazeera details the legislative process and Macron's call for the ban to be in place by September 2026, noting the bill's extension of existing mobile phone bans to high schools. The New Arab and Al Jazeera also report on Roblox bans in other countries, reflecting global concerns about children's online safety. The Mirror and Resolver's report introduce a broader context of online threats to children beyond social media, such as Com networks involved in cyberbullying and exploitation, highlighting the complexity of protecting minors online. These varied perspectives illustrate the multifaceted nature of digital safety legislation, balancing protection with enforcement challenges and civil liberties.

Go deeper

• How will France enforce the social media ban for under-15s?
• What challenges do social media companies face with age verification?
• Are other countries considering similar bans on social media for minors?

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• Emmanuel Macron - President of France

  Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.

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  France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.

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• Australia - Country in Oceania

  Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.

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