French Parliament Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15 in Push to Protect Youth
PARIS, France — In a decisive move to shield young minds from the adverse effects of social media, French lawmakers approved a bill on Monday that bans children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. The legislation, which also includes a prohibition on mobile phone use within high schools, passed the National Assembly by a vote of 130 to 21. It now proceeds to the Senate for further deliberation before becoming law.
French lawmaker Laure Miller described the measure as a “battle for free minds,” emphasizing the growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s well-being. “With this law, we are setting a clear boundary in society and saying social media is not harmless,” Miller told the assembly. She highlighted troubling trends among youth, including reduced reading time, disrupted sleep patterns, and increased social comparison.
The bill follows similar initiatives abroad, notably Australia’s efforts to protect children from digital harm, signaling a global reckoning with the role of social media in young people’s lives. President Emmanuel Macron has been a vocal advocate for the legislation and is pushing to fast-track its passage so the ban can be implemented by the start of the September academic year.
Experts and lawmakers alike have pointed to mounting evidence linking excessive social media use with mental health challenges among adolescents. The proposed ban aims to create a safer environment for children to grow and learn without the pressures and distractions posed by constant online engagement.
In addition to the age restriction on social media platforms, the law’s prohibition of mobile phones in high schools seeks to foster more focused and less digitally distracted learning environments. This aligns with policies in other European countries that have sought to regulate device usage in educational settings.
The legislation has sparked a broader conversation about digital responsibility and the role of government in regulating technology. Advocates argue that protecting children’s mental health and cognitive development justifies such measures, while critics raise concerns about enforcement and the potential for unintended consequences.
As the bill advances to the Senate, it will be closely watched by policymakers worldwide grappling with how to balance technological innovation with public health. The French initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to address the complex challenges posed by social media.
For more information on digital safety policies and youth protection initiatives, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the USA.gov portal. The French government’s efforts also align with broader European Union directives on digital wellbeing and child protection, detailed at European Commission.
This landmark legislation marks a significant step in France’s commitment to safeguarding its younger generations from the potentially harmful effects of social media, setting a precedent that may influence global digital policy in the years to come.
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