France’s New Social Media Ban for Minors: A Protective Measure
Overview of the Legislation
French lawmakers have taken a significant step by approving a ban on social media for children under the age of 15. This legislation, designed to shield young people from harmful online content, was passed in the National Assembly with a decisive 130-21 vote. The law is set to roll out in September at the beginning of the new school year. President Emmanuel Macron has urged the swift implementation of this law, which now awaits review by the Senate.
In his remarks, Macron emphasized the importance of safeguarding children’s online experiences: “Banning social media for those under 15 is in line with scientific recommendations and reflects the overwhelming wishes of the French populace. Our children’s brains are not for sale to any platform, be it American or Chinese. Their dreams should not be manipulated by algorithms.”
The Rationale Behind the Ban
The introduction of this social media ban stems from growing concerns regarding the adverse effects of excessive screen time and exposure to harmful content. Reports indicate that roughly half of French teenagers spend between two to five hours a day on their smartphones, with 58% of youths aged 12 to 17 actively engaging on social media platforms.
Health professionals warn that excessive social media use can negatively impact self-esteem, expose children to risky behaviors, and lead to serious mental health challenges. Some families have even taken legal actions against social media platforms like TikTok due to their perceived role in tragic incidents involving teenagers, linking such cases to harmful online content.
It’s worth noting that the legislation includes exemptions for educational materials, online encyclopedias, and platforms that provide open-source software. This ensures that children retain access to valuable learning tools while minimizing exposure to harmful influences.
Insights from Australia’s Experience
France’s action reflects a broader global movement toward protecting minors online, drawing inspiration from Australia’s 2025 initiative to ban social media for children under 16. In that country, the ban encompasses major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, with messaging applications like WhatsApp excluded.
Since the implementation of Australia’s ban, approximately 4.7 million accounts linked to minors have been removed from social media platforms, including nearly 550,000 accounts deleted by Meta shortly after the ban took effect. Australian officials assert that these actions have bolstered children’s safety online and curtailed predatory practices.
To enforce the ban, social media companies employ various age verification methods, including identification checks and third-party age estimation technologies. Though some children have attempted to circumvent these restrictions, the overall consensus is that the ban has made significant strides in enhancing online safety.
The UK’s Potential Action
In light of France’s recent legislation, the UK is also contemplating similar measures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently indicated that the government is reviewing the possibility of a social media ban for children aged 15 and under. This would be accompanied by stricter age verification processes, curfews on phone usage, and limitations on addictive features of social media platforms. This initiative arises amidst increasing public concern about the mental health and online safety of children.
A Global Focus on Child Online Safety
France’s move to impose a social media ban for children aligns with both Australia’s existing rules and the UK’s potential strategy, indicating a global commitment to ensuring the safety of minors in an increasingly digital world. Collectively, these initiatives strive to strike a balance between offering children access to educational and creative opportunities while protecting them from potential online harms and minimizing screen time.
As governments across various countries continue to debate protections for children online, the underlying objective remains clear: prioritize cyber safety, enhance mental wellbeing, and afford children a safer, healthier online environment.
