France is set to introduce a ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 15, alongside a prohibition on mobile phones in high schools starting in September 2026. These measures, reported by local media, reflect growing public concern regarding the impact of social media on youth behavior and mental health.
President Emmanuel Macron has identified social media as a contributing factor to youth violence and has expressed a desire for France to follow in the footsteps of Australia, which implemented the first global ban for under-16s on platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube in December. According to Le Monde, Macron may announce these initiatives during his New Year’s Eve address, scheduled to air at 19:00 GMT. The French government plans to submit draft legislation for review in early January.
Currently, mobile phones are banned in French primary and middle schools, a restriction that has been in place since 2018. The proposed changes would extend this ban to high schools, which cater to students aged 15 to 18. Additionally, in 2023, France enacted a law mandating that social media platforms obtain parental consent for users under the age of 15. However, technical difficulties have hindered the effective implementation of this law.
In June, Macron advocated for European Union-wide regulations to prohibit social media access for all individuals under 15, following a tragic incident involving a fatal stabbing at a school in eastern France. The European Parliament subsequently urged the EU to establish minimum age requirements for social media access, aiming to address the rising mental health issues linked to excessive exposure among adolescents. Ultimately, it is up to member states to enforce these age limitations.
Other countries have also moved to regulate children’s access to social media, indicating a broader trend towards increased scrutiny of online platforms. Macron’s push for stricter regulations comes at a time when his domestic political standing has been weakened, following a hung parliament and a succession of unstable governments. Nonetheless, tightening restrictions on minors’ access to social media appears to resonate with the public. A Harris Interactive survey conducted in 2024 revealed that 73% of respondents support a ban on social media for those under 15.
As France heads into the new year, the government’s focus on protecting young people from potential online harms may garner public approval, even amidst a challenging political landscape.
