French Lawmakers Approve Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

French lawmakers have approved a bill banning social media for children under 15, with the measure set to take effect at the start of the next school year in September. The bill, which also bans mobile phones in high schools, passed with a 130-21 vote. This move is seen as a response to mounting concerns over excessive screen time, mental health risks, and foreign influence online.

Key Highlights

• French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15
• The measure is set to take effect at the start of the next school year in September
• The bill also bans mobile phones in high schools
• The move is seen as a response to concerns over excessive screen time, mental health risks, and foreign influence online
• France is following Australia's lead in banning social media for children under a certain age
• The bill was championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a vital step toward protecting children
• Nine child protection associations urged lawmakers to "hold platforms accountable" for the risks associated with social media use by minors
• The National Assembly passed the legislation by 130 votes to 21 during a lengthy overnight session
• The move is part of a broader effort to curb excessive screen time and shield minors from online risks

The Deep Context

The French government's decision to ban social media for children under 15 is part of a growing trend of countries taking steps to regulate social media use by minors. As reported by AP News: French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15, the move is seen as a response to mounting concerns over excessive screen time, mental health risks, and foreign influence online. According to MSN: After Australia, France lawmakers pass bill to ban social media for children under 15, France is following Australia's lead in banning social media for children under a certain age. The bill was championed by President Emmanuel Macron, who has made digital regulation a key part of his agenda. As noted by The News: French lawmakers approve social media ban for under-15s, the move is seen as a vital step toward protecting children from the risks associated with social media use. According to Yahoo News: French MPs vote to curb children's screen time with under-15 social media ban, the bill is part of a broader effort to curb excessive screen time and shield minors from online risks.

The issue of social media regulation has been a topic of debate in recent years, with many countries grappling with the challenges of balancing the benefits of social media with the risks. As reported by The Logical Indian: France Follows Australia: Parliament Backs Social Media Ban for Under-15s to Protect Youth Mental Health, the move is seen as a response to concerns over mental health risks, online bullying, and youth violence. According to MSN: France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s, Follows Australia's Lead, the proposal is being framed as a response to mounting concerns over excessive screen time, mental health risks, and foreign influence online. As noted by Fox News: France reportedly planning to ban children under 15 from social media starting 2026, the move is part of a broader effort to regulate social media use by minors and protect them from online risks.

Voices from the Streets

The move to ban social media for children under 15 has been met with a mixed reaction from the public. As reported by Yahoo News: French lawmakers pass bill banning social media for under-15s, some parents have welcomed the move, citing concerns over excessive screen time and mental health risks. According to UPI: French lawmakers advance ban on social media for children under 15, the move is seen as a vital step toward protecting children from the risks associated with social media use. However, others have expressed concerns over the potential impact on children's ability to access information and connect with others. As noted by Pajhwok: French lawmakers approve ban on social media for under-15s, the move has sparked debate over child safety, digital rights, and enforcement.

The move has also been met with criticism from some who argue that it is an overreach of government authority. As reported by Tempo: France Passes Bill to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15, the move is seen as a restriction on children's freedom of expression and access to information. According to Times of India: Breaking News Live Updates: French Lawmakers back ban on social media for children under 15, the move has sparked concerns over the potential impact on children's ability to access information and connect with others.

Legislative & Jurisdictional Conflict

The move to ban social media for children under 15 has raised questions over the potential impact on the tech industry and the role of government in regulating social media use. As reported by France24: French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15, the move is seen as a challenge to the tech industry's business model and its reliance on advertising revenue. According to AP News: French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15, the move has sparked concerns over the potential impact on the economy and the tech industry's ability to innovate.

The move has also raised questions over the potential impact on children's ability to access information and connect with others. As noted by The News: French lawmakers approve social media ban for under-15s, the move has sparked debate over child safety, digital rights, and enforcement. According to Yahoo News: French MPs vote to curb children's screen time with under-15 social media ban, the move is part of a broader effort to regulate social media use by minors and protect them from online risks.

Projections & Critical Questions

The move to ban social media for children under 15 raises important questions over the potential impact on children's ability to access information and connect with others. As reported by The Logical Indian: France Follows Australia: Parliament Backs Social Media Ban for Under-15s to Protect Youth Mental Health, the move is seen as a vital step toward protecting children from the risks associated with social media use. However, others have expressed concerns over the potential impact on children's ability to access information and connect with others. As noted by Pajhwok: French lawmakers approve ban on social media for under-15s, the move has sparked debate over child safety, digital rights, and enforcement.

The move also raises questions over the potential impact on the tech industry and the role of government in regulating social media use. As reported by France24: French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15, the move is seen as a challenge to the tech industry's business model and its reliance on advertising revenue. According to AP News: French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15, the move has sparked concerns over the potential impact on the economy and the tech industry's ability to innovate.

Related Coverage

• AP News: French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15
• MSN: After Australia, France lawmakers pass bill to ban social media for children under 15
• UPI: French lawmakers advance ban on social media for children under 15
• The News: French lawmakers approve social media ban for under-15s
• Yahoo News: French MPs vote to curb children's screen time with under-15 social media ban
• The Logical Indian: France Follows Australia: Parliament Backs Social Media Ban for Under-15s to Protect Youth Mental Health
• MSN: France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s, Follows Australia's Lead
• Fox News: France reportedly planning to ban children under 15 from social media starting 2026
• Yahoo News: French lawmakers pass bill banning social media for under-15s
• Tempo: France Passes Bill to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15
• Times of India: Breaking News Live Updates: French Lawmakers back ban on social media for children under 15