France has taken a major step toward regulating children’s online activity after lawmakers approved a bill that would ban children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. If implemented, France will become the first country in the European Union to introduce a nationwide social media ban for young users.
The legislation also includes a ban on mobile phone use in high schools as part of broader efforts to reduce screen time and protect children’s mental well-being.
Before becoming law, the bill is expected to undergo a review by France’s Constitutional Council. The review could delay its implementation, although President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his desire for the new rules to take effect before the start of the next school year in September.
French authorities say the legislation is designed to shield children from harmful online content, excessive social media use, and the negative effects associated with prolonged screen time. However, the restrictions will not apply to educational platforms such as online encyclopedias, scientific databases, and academic directories.
The move follows growing concerns over children’s digital habits. According to France’s national health watchdog, nearly half of teenagers spend between two and five hours daily on smartphones. The report also found that around 90 percent of children aged 12 to 17 access the internet through smartphones every day, while more than half regularly use social networking platforms. Researchers linked excessive social media use to lower self-esteem and greater exposure to harmful content.
One of the biggest challenges will be enforcing the law. Authorities are expected to introduce age verification systems, although the exact method has not yet been finalized. France’s communications regulator, ARCOM, will oversee implementation once the law comes into effect.
France joins a growing number of countries seeking stronger protections for children online. However, legal experts and privacy advocates have questioned whether the measure will be practical to enforce while also protecting user privacy. The success of the law will largely depend on effective age verification without creating unnecessary privacy concerns.
