France is set to implement a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15 starting in September 2026. The decision, reported by local media, also includes a prohibition on mobile phones in high schools, reflecting growing public concern over the impact of social media on youth behavior. President Emmanuel Macron has frequently cited social media as a contributing factor to youth violence and aims to adopt measures similar to those in Australia, where a landmark ban for users under 16 took effect in December 2023.
According to Le Monde, Macron may announce these measures during his New Year’s Eve address, which is scheduled to air at 1900 GMT. The French government plans to submit draft legislation for legal review in early January, although the Elysee Palace and the Prime Minister’s office have yet to confirm these reports.
The proposed changes would extend an existing ban on mobile phones that has been in place in French primary and middle schools since 2018. In the French education system, students aged 11 to 15 attend middle schools. This move aims to create a safer environment for teenagers and address concerns about their mental health and social interactions.
In 2023, France enacted a law requiring social media platforms to obtain parental consent for users under 15. However, the law has faced technical challenges that hinder its enforcement. Following a tragic incident involving a fatal stabbing at a school in eastern France, Macron announced in June his intention to advocate for EU-wide regulations to restrict social media access for minors.
The European Parliament has echoed these concerns, urging the EU to establish minimum age requirements for social media use in response to increased mental health issues among adolescents linked to excessive exposure to these platforms. However, it remains the responsibility of individual member states to impose specific age restrictions.
As Macron prepares to enter the new year, his domestic agenda faces significant challenges. The recent parliamentary elections resulted in a hung parliament, leading to one of France’s most severe political crises in decades. Despite these setbacks, public opinion appears to favor stricter regulations regarding minors’ access to social media. A survey conducted by Harris Interactive in 2024 revealed that 73 percent of respondents support a ban on social media for children under 15.
The proposed measures reflect a broader trend among various countries seeking to regulate children’s access to social media, as concerns over their well-being continue to rise. As these developments unfold, France may take a leading role in shaping the future landscape of social media regulations for younger audiences.
