Archive · 28 Jan 2026
France Passes Bill Banning Social Media for Under-15s
France has passed a new law to stop children under 15 from using social media.
This makes France the second country, after Australia, to have such a rule.
The law was approved by the French National Assembly and is supported by President Emmanuel Macron.
The goal is to protect children's mental health and reduce the time they spend online.
The law will also ban mobile phones in high schools.
Social media companies will have until the end of 2025 to remove accounts that don't follow the new rules.
Some people support the law because they think it will help children, while others think it is too strict and that kids can use social media responsibly.
France's National Assembly approved a bill to ban social media for children under 15, following Australia's similar law.
The bill aims to protect young people’s mental health and curb excessive screen time, with enforcement starting from the 2026 school year.
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the move, describing it as a 'major step' to safeguard children from online risks.
The legislation also includes a ban on mobile phones in high schools, expanding existing restrictions on device use in educational settings.
Critics argue the ban is an overly simplistic approach and that deeper structural problems within the technology sector need to be addressed.
- Who
- French National Assembly and President Emmanuel Macron
- What
- Bill to ban social media for children under 15
- When
- Approved on January 26, 2026, enforcement from 2026 school year
- Where
- France
- Why
- To protect young people’s mental health and curb excessive screen time
- Location
- France
- Proposed Ban Age
- Under 15
- Inspiration
- Australia's similar law
- Current Status
- Approved by National Assembly, awaiting Senate vote
- Key Proponents
- Emmanuel Macron (French President), Gabriel Attal (Renaissance party leader)
- Public Support
- 73% in France support the ban
- Enforcement Date
- 2026 school year
Sources
Goa could ban social media for children under 16
France’s National Assembly debates banning under-15s from social media
Social media ban in Goa for under 16 children? What the government is ‘studying’
France’s National Assembly approves banning under-15s from social media
French Lawmakers Vote To Ban Social Media For Under-15s
French Lawmakers Pass Bill Banning Social Media for Under-15s
French lawmakers vote in support of bill to ban social media for teens
France lawmakers pass bill to ban social media for children under 15, Macron hails ‘major step’
France’s social media ban for under-15s explained: Why it’s happening and what it means for teens
Indian tourist state of Goa weighs social media ban for children
Goa Considers Australia-Like Social Media Ban For Children Below 16
Factbox-From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children’s social media access
Goa Government Mulls Banning Social Media for Kids, Citing Australian Law
No social media for children: France passes bill to restrict under-15s; know the countries that have banned platforms for kids
Goa considers social media ban for users under the age of 16
France Passes Bill To Ban Social Media For Children Under 15
