Archive · 22 Jul 2026
France Approves Social Media Ban for Under-15s
The French Parliament has approved a bill to ban social media access for children under 15 years old.
This ban is supported by French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The bill will be discussed further in the Lower House and the Senate.
The Information Technology minister will create a list of banned social networks, and platforms will need to set up age verification systems approved by the French privacy regulator.
Additionally, the use of smartphones in high schools will be banned.
This ban aims to protect children from online dangers and empower parents to control their children's online activities.
Similar bans have been enacted in Australia.
French Parliament’s committee approved a bill to ban social media access for under-15s.
The bill will be discussed in the Lower House and the Senate.
The Information Technology minister will establish a list of banned social networks.
Social media platforms must set up age verification systems approved by the French privacy regulator.
The ban also includes prohibiting smartphone use in high schools.
- Who
- French Parliament’s committee, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- What
- Approval of a bill to ban social media access for under-15s
- When
- July 20, to be discussed on Tuesday in the Lower House and later in the Senate
- Where
- France, European Union
- Why
- To protect children from online dangers and empower parents to control their children's online activities
Supporters of the Ban
Opponents of the Ban
Protection of Minors
Supporters of the Ban
Supporters argue that the ban will protect children from online dangers such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy violations.
Opponents of the Ban
Opponents believe that the ban may not effectively address these issues and could limit children's access to educational and social benefits of social media.
Parental Control
Supporters of the Ban
Supporters believe that the ban will empower parents to better control their children's online activities.
Opponents of the Ban
Opponents argue that the ban may infringe on parental rights to decide what is best for their children.
- Bill Approval Date
- July 20
- Effective Date
- Early September
- Countries with Similar Bans
- Australia
- Social Media Platforms Affected
- Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube
- Age Verification
- Approved by French privacy regulator
- Additional Ban
- Smartphone use in high schools
