Archive · 26 Jan 2026
France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s
French President Emmanuel Macron wants to make a new law to stop children under 15 from using social media.
He thinks this will help protect their brains and feelings from being influenced by social media platforms.
The law is supposed to start in September, at the beginning of the new school year.
Macron also wants to ban mobile phones in high schools.
Many teenagers in France spend a lot of time on their phones, and some of this time is spent on social media, which can have bad effects like making them feel bad about themselves or seeing things that are not good for them.
Macron wants to make sure this doesn't happen.
Some scientists agree that too much social media is bad, but others think the evidence is not strong enough to support a ban.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposes a ban on social media for children under 15 and mobile phones in high schools.
The ban is planned to be implemented in September 2024, at the start of the school year.
Macron wants to initiate an accelerated legal process to pass the legislation quickly.
The proposed ban aims to protect children from harmful effects of social media, including reduced self-esteem and exposure to risky behaviors.
Research suggests both excessive and no social media use can be problematic for teenagers' mental health.
- Who
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- What
- Proposed ban on social media for children under 15 and mobile phones in high schools
- When
- Implementation planned for September 2024
- Where
- France
- Why
- To protect children from harmful effects of social media and excessive screen time
- Proposed Ban Age
- Under 15
- Proposed Implementation Date
- September (start of school year)
- Teen Smartphone Usage
- 90% of 12-17 year-olds use smartphones daily
- Social Network Usage
- 58% of 12-17 year-olds use smartphones for social networks
- Harmful Effects
- Reduced self-esteem, exposure to risky behaviors (self-harm, drug use, suicide)
- Legal Process
- Accelerated procedure to pass legislation by Senate
- Additional Proposal
- Ban on mobile phones in high schools
Sources
Macron pushes for fast-track ban on social media for children under 15
‘Our children’s brains are not for sale’: Macron says France to fast-track ban on social media for under-15s
‘Brains of our children are not for sale’ France moves to ban children under 15 from social media
Macron pushes for fast-track ban on social media for children under 15
Egypt to adopt restrictions on children’s social media use to fight digital chaos
Egypt to Limit Children's Social Media Use to Combat 'Digital Chaos'
