Archive · 1 Jan 2026
France Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s
France is planning to stop children under 15 from using social media and to ban mobile phones in high schools starting in September 2026.
President Macron wants to protect kids from seeing bad things online, being bullied, and not sleeping well.
The government will check the new rules in early January.
Other countries like Australia are doing something similar.
Many people in France support this idea, but some worry it might not work or could limit children's rights.
The ban is still being discussed and checked to make sure it follows all the rules.
France plans to ban children under 15 from social media sites and prohibit mobile phones in high schools from September 2026.
The ban is backed by President Emmanuel Macron, who has often blamed social media for violence among young people.
France is following Australia's lead, which implemented a similar ban for under-16s in December.
The draft legislation will be submitted for legal checks in early January, with Macron possibly announcing the measures in his New Year's Eve national address.
A Harris Interactive survey in 2024 showed 73% of those surveyed support a ban on social media access for under-15s.
- Who
- French government, President Emmanuel Macron
- What
- Proposed ban on social media access for children under 15 and ban on mobile phones in high schools
- When
- Implementation planned for September 2026, draft legislation to be submitted for legal checks in early January
- Where
- France
- Why
- To protect children from risks associated with excessive screen use, such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyber-harassment, and disrupted sleep patterns, and to follow Australia's lead in regulating social media access for minors
Supporters of the Ban
Opponents of the Ban
Protection of Minors
Supporters of the Ban
Supporters argue that the ban will protect children from exposure to inappropriate content, cyber-harassment, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Opponents of the Ban
Opponents contend that the ban may not be effective and could infringe on children's rights to access information and socialize online.
Parental Control
Supporters of the Ban
Supporters believe that the ban will empower parents to have more control over their children's online activities.
Opponents of the Ban
Opponents argue that the ban could shift the responsibility from parents to the government, potentially limiting parental autonomy.
Enforcement and Practicality
Supporters of the Ban
Supporters suggest that the ban, if properly enforced, could set a precedent for other countries and the EU.
Opponents of the Ban
Opponents question the practicality of enforcing such a ban and the potential for children to find ways around it.
- Proposed Ban Age
- Under 15
- Implementation Date
- September 2026
- Backing Authority
- President Emmanuel Macron
- Key Risks Addressed
- Exposure to inappropriate content, cyber-harassment, disrupted sleep patterns
- Additional Measure
- Ban on mobile phones in secondary schools
- Legal Review Body
- Conseil d’État
- Inspiration
- Australia's ban on social media for under-16s
- Public Support
- 73% of those surveyed support the ban
Sources
France Plans to Ban Social Media Access for Children Under 15
Australia-inspired ban: France plans to block social media for under-15s from Sept 2026
France aims to ban under-15s from social media from September 2026, Le Monde reports
Macron wants to ban under-15s from social media from September 2026, Le Monde reports
