France to Ban Social Media Use for Children Under 15 Starting in 2026
PARIS, France — France is set to implement a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 15 beginning in 2026, a move aimed at curbing excessive screen time and protecting minors from the dangers of online content. The proposal, reported by local media outlet Le Monde, follows Australia’s recent world-first ban on social media platforms for children under 16, signaling a growing international trend toward stricter digital regulations for youth.
President Emmanuel Macron has been a vocal advocate for tighter controls on digital access among young people, citing social media as a significant factor contributing to youth violence. The ban will also include restrictions on cellphone use in high schools, expanding on the existing prohibition of mobile phones in elementary and middle schools since 2018. According to a draft law obtained by Le Monde, “many studies and reports now confirm the various risks caused by excessive use of digital screens by adolescents,” highlighting concerns such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyber-harassment, and disruptions to sleep patterns.
Macron’s push for these measures gained urgency following a fatal school stabbing in eastern France in April, which shocked the nation and intensified debates about youth safety and digital wellbeing. The president has expressed intentions to advocate for similar regulations across the European Union, aiming to harmonize protections for minors amid the bloc’s complex legal landscape. However, previous attempts to introduce a “digital legal age” requiring parental consent for social media use under 15 were blocked by EU regulations, underscoring the challenges of enforcing such policies within the union.
Australia’s pioneering legislation, enacted in December 2025, prohibits children under 16 from accessing major platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube without parental approval. France’s planned ban reflects a similar philosophy, targeting the reduction of online risks and excessive screen exposure among adolescents. The French Parliament is expected to debate the proposal in January, with the ban potentially taking effect as early as September 2026.
Experts point to growing evidence linking prolonged social media use to mental health issues and behavioral problems in youth. The European Parliament has also called for minimum age requirements on social media platforms to address adolescent mental health concerns, although the final authority rests with individual member states. France’s initiative may set a precedent for other countries grappling with the balance between digital freedom and child protection.
For more information on digital safety regulations and youth protection efforts, visit the European Parliament and the USA.gov Online Safety pages. The French Ministry of Education’s policies on cellphone bans in schools can be reviewed at education.gouv.fr. Additionally, the Australian Government website provides details on their social media restrictions for minors.
As governments worldwide confront the challenges posed by digital technology, France’s forthcoming ban represents a significant step toward redefining the boundaries of online engagement for children, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their mental health and physical safety in an increasingly connected world.
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