French Lower House Approves Bill Banning Social Media for Under-15s

France is moving closer to imposing one of Europe’s strictest restrictions on children’s access to social media after lawmakers in the lower house of parliament approved a bill banning under-15s from using social media platforms. The proposal, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, is framed as a response to growing concerns over excessive screen time, mental health risks, and foreign influence in the digital space.

The bill was passed overnight in the French National Assembly by 130 votes to 21 and will now move to the Senate, where it is expected to be debated in the coming weeks. If approved, France would become the second country after Australia to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for young teenagers, marking a significant shift in how governments regulate online access for minors.

Macron welcomed the vote as a “major step” toward protecting children and adolescents, arguing that their emotions and attention should not be shaped or monetised by global technology companies. He has repeatedly warned that social media algorithms, whether developed in the United States or China, should not influence how young people think, feel, or develop during their formative years.

Also Read: A Historic First: EU’s Top Leadership Graces Kartavya Path as Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests

Former prime minister Gabriel Attal, now leader of Macron’s Renaissance party in the Assembly, said the legislation also addresses issues of national sovereignty. Beyond mental health concerns, Attal argued that social media platforms can act as tools for foreign powers to influence and “colonise minds”, particularly among younger users who are more vulnerable to online manipulation.

Under the proposed law, the ban would apply to children under the age of 15 and would be introduced in phases beginning with the 2026 school year for newly created accounts. Existing accounts that do not meet age requirements would be required to be deactivated by December 31. The bill also reinforces France’s broader digital policy by banning mobile phone use within schools while explicitly exempting online encyclopedias and educational platforms.

France’s move comes as the European Union considers tougher online safeguards for minors. The European Parliament has previously called for an EU-wide restriction on social media access for users under 16, citing links between heavy social media use and anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying. While enforcement remains complex due to national jurisdiction over age limits, French lawmakers say the legislation could set a precedent for similar measures across Europe.

Also Read: White House Says France Changed G7 Dates to Ensure Trump’s Presence