France Set To Ban Social Media For Under-15s In Big New Move

Paris: France is preparing a major rule to stop children under 15 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. A draft bill has been drawn up that would make it illegal for these platforms to offer social networking services to under-15s. Lawmakers are expected to debate it early in the year. If approved, the ban could start with the school year in September 2026.

Why now?

French leaders say the move is about protecting young people from the risks of too much screen time and harmful online content. The government points to studies showing that heavy social media use can expose children to inappropriate material, cyberbullying and disrupted sleep. President Emmanuel Macron has backed the plan, saying social media can affect teens' wellbeing and school performance.

How would it work?

Under the draft law, social media companies would be banned from providing social networking services to anyone under 15. This goes beyond existing rules that require parental consent for under-15s; those rules have been hard to enforce in practice.

The bill also includes an expansion of the mobile phone ban in schools. Phones are already banned in primary and middle schools. The new measure would extend that ban to high schools, meaning students up to about 18 years old would face limits on carrying phones during school hours.

Is this new in Europe?

France's proposal would follow Australia's world-first law that bans social media for children under 16, which came into effect recently. Other European countries are also discussing stricter age limits on social media access as concerns about youth mental health and online safety grow.

What's next?

The draft bill is set for legal review before going to parliament early in 2026. It still faces political debate and may be revised before lawmakers vote. If approved, the ban would be one of the most far-reaching limits on children’s access to social media in the world.