Archive · 21 Jul 2026
France Votes on Social Media Ban for Under-15s
France is trying to pass a law that would stop children under 15 from using social media.
The law is being discussed by lawmakers, and they want it to start when schools open in September.
The main disagreement is about which platforms should be included in the ban.
The National Assembly wants to ban all social media, while the Senate wants to ban only specific platforms.
The European Union has some concerns about the law, but France is working to make it comply with EU rules.
The law is also about banning phones in high schools.
Many people think this is important because too much social media can be bad for children's health and well-being.
French lawmakers are voting on a bill to ban social media for children under 15, aiming for it to take effect in September 2026.
The National Assembly and Senate disagree on the scope of the ban, with the Assembly wanting to ban all social media and the Senate preferring a blacklist of specific platforms.
The bill also proposes banning mobile phones in high schools and is drafted to comply with the EU Digital Services Act.
The European Commission has raised legal concerns, noting some provisions overlap with the Digital Services Act.
Health reports link social media use to reduced self-esteem and exposure to risky behaviours among teenagers.
- Who
- French lawmakers, President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission
- What
- Proposed ban on social media for children under 15
- When
- July 21, 2026, with a proposed effective date of September 2026
- Where
- France
- Why
- To protect the physical and mental health of children, addressing concerns over reduced self-esteem and exposure to risky behaviours
National Assembly
Senate
Scope of the Ban
National Assembly
The National Assembly wants the ban to apply to all online social networking services.
Senate
The Senate favours a blacklist of specific platforms.
- Date
- July 21, 2026
- Location
- Paris, France
- Bill Status
- Under negotiation
- Proposed Effective Date
- September 2026
- EU Notification Period
- Before August 10, 2026
- EU Digital Services Act Compliance
- Drafted to comply
- Teenage Smartphone Use
- One in two teenagers spends 2-5 hours daily on a smartphone
- Social Media Use Among Teens
- 90% of 12-17 year-olds use smartphones daily for social networking
