French parliament passes social media ban for under-15s

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing AFP and The Associated Press, reported that France’s parliament approved legislation on July 21 that would bar children younger than 15 from using social media platforms. Lawmakers in both chambers backed the measure, which also includes a ban on students using mobile phones in schools. The vote took place at the National Assembly in Paris and marks a significant step in President Emmanuel Macron’s push to tighten rules around children’s online access.

Macron has promoted the proposal as a major initiative of his second term and wants it implemented before the next school year. According to the report, the law still faces review by France’s Constitutional Council, which could affect the timing. The planned rollout would first stop under-15s from opening new accounts from September 1, then extend to existing accounts in January 2027. Digital Minister Anne Le Henanff said accounts belonging to underage users would be shut, while personal data protections would apply.

The measure would make France the first European Union country to approve a broad social media ban for this age group, amid growing international concern about children’s exposure to harmful online content. Al Jazeera noted that France’s public health watchdog previously identified platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram as harmful to adolescents, especially girls, while also saying they were not the only factor in worsening mental health.

Supporters, including some parents and child advocates, welcomed the move as a way to pressure large technology companies. Opponents from France Unbowed questioned whether the law is constitutional, enforceable and compatible with online anonymity. The legislation excludes online encyclopaedias and educational or scientific directories.