French lawmakers have approved a social media ban for children under 15, a move aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content. The bill, which also restricts mobile phone use in high schools, was passed by a 130-21 vote in the National Assembly and is expected to take effect at the start of the next school year in September. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the legislation to be fast-tracked, and it will now be reviewed by the Senate.
“Banning social media for those under 15: this is what scientists recommend, and this is what the French people are overwhelmingly calling for,” Macron said.
“Our children’s brains are not for sale — neither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks. Their dreams must not be dictated by algorithms.”
Why France Introduced a Social Media Ban for Children
The new social media ban for children in France is part of a broader effort to address the negative effects of excessive screen time and harmful content. Studies show that one in two French teenagers spends between two and five hours daily on smartphones, with 58% of children aged 12 to 17 actively using social networks.
Health experts warn that prolonged social media use can lead to reduced self-esteem, exposure to risky behaviors such as self-harm or substance abuse, and mental health challenges. Some families in France have even taken legal action against platforms like TikTok over teen suicides allegedly linked to harmful online content.
The French legislation carefully exempts educational resources, online encyclopedias, and platforms for open-source software, ensuring children can still access learning and development tools safely.
Lessons From Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children
France’s move mirrors global trends. In December 2025, Australia implemented a social media ban for children under 16, covering major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Threads, X, YouTube, and Twitch. Messaging apps like WhatsApp were exempt.
Since the ban, social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children. Meta alone removed nearly 550,000 accounts the day after the ban took effect. Australian officials said the measures restore children’s online safety and prevent predatory social media practices.
Platforms comply with the ban through age verification methods such as ID checks, third-party age estimation technologies, or inference from existing account data. While some children attempted to bypass restrictions, the ban is considered a significant step in protecting children online.
UK Considers Following France and Australia
The UK is also exploring similar measures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently said the government is considering a social media ban for children aged 15 and under, along with stricter age verification, phone curfews, and restrictions on addictive platform features. The UK’s move comes amid growing concern about the mental wellbeing and safety of children online.
Global Shift Toward Child Cyber Safety
The introduction of a social media ban for children in France, alongside Australia’s implementation and the UK’s proposal, highlights a global trend toward protecting minors in the digital age. These measures aim to balance access to educational and creative tools while shielding children from online harm and excessive screen time.
As more countries consider social media regulations for minors, the focus is clear: ensuring cyber safety, supporting mental health, and giving children the chance to enjoy a safe and healthy online experience.
