Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Macron Urges EU Ban on Social Media Under 15
French President Emmanuel Macron wants one European Union rule about children using social media.
He has asked Ursula von der Leyen to support a ban for anyone younger than 15.
Macron says this would help protect children across Europe.
France previously tried to pass a similar national law.
France’s Constitutional Council rejected that law before it could begin.
Macron says France will try to rewrite the law.
Von der Leyen has discussed a system with different restrictions for different ages.
Some countries, especially in Scandinavia, think parents should decide.
Macron’s proposal is stricter because it would apply to everyone under 15.
Emmanuel Macron asked Ursula von der Leyen to support an EU-wide ban on social media for children under 15.
Macron said new European legislation was needed to harmonize protections for children across the European Union.
France’s Constitutional Council struck down a national under-15 social-media bill before it was due to take effect in September.
Macron said France would separately revise the rejected legislation in line with EU law and the French Constitution.
Von der Leyen has cited a tiered system, while some countries favor parental choice and Macron supports a blanket ban until age 15.
- Who
- French President Emmanuel Macron asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to support an EU-wide restriction.
- What
- Macron proposed European legislation banning social-media access for children under 15.
- When
- Macron’s letter was dated August 29 and was reported on September 8; France’s national bill was struck down in August.
- Where
- The proposed measure would apply across the European Union, while France is considering revised national legislation.
- Why
- Macron said the measure would protect children across the Union amid concerns about social media’s effects on young people’s mental health and safety.
Blanket EU-Wide Ban
Tiered Rules or Parental Choice
Age restriction
Blanket EU-Wide Ban
Macron supports a blanket ban on social-media access for everyone under 15.
Tiered Rules or Parental Choice
Von der Leyen has cited a tiered system allowing limited, supervised access for children under 13, while restrictions would ease as children get older.
European-wide legislation
Blanket EU-Wide Ban
Macron says new EU legislation is essential to harmonize protections and protect children across the Union.
Tiered Rules or Parental Choice
Several European countries are considering restrictions, but some governments prefer national approaches or parental decision-making.
French national law
Blanket EU-Wide Ban
Macron plans to pursue revised French legislation after the Constitutional Council rejected the original bill.
Tiered Rules or Parental Choice
Political fragmentation in France’s Parliament and difficult budget negotiations could complicate passage of a replacement law.
- Proposed age limit
- Children under 15
- Proposed measure
- An EU-wide ban on access to social-media platforms
- Requester
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- Letter date
- August 29
- French legal status
- France’s Constitutional Council struck down a national bill before it was due to take effect in September
- Alternative EU approach
- A tiered system with limited, supervised access for children under 13 and gradually eased restrictions
- Other national views
- Some countries, particularly in Scandinavia, favor leaving decisions about children’s social-media use to parents
