Tue 27 January 2026:

French lawmakers have approved a bill that would ban social media use for children under the age of 15, a move championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect minors.

The bill was adopted by the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, by a vote of 130 to 21 following a lengthy session on Monday evening.

The legislation will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration before it can become law.

Macron welcomed the vote through US social media company X, calling it a “major step” toward protecting French children and teenagers.

He said it is now up to the Senate to continue this “constructive work” so that the ban can be effective from the start of the next school year.

“Because our children’s minds are not for sale. Not to American platforms, nor to Chinese networks,” he said.

“Because their dreams should not be dictated by algorithms. Because we don’t want an anxious generation, but a generation that believes in France, the Republic, and its values.”

The president concluded by saying that he will ensure that by Sept. 1, and that French children and teenagers will “finally be protected.”

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CHILD SOCIAL MEDIA BANS SPREAD WORLDWIDE

Restrictions on children’s access to social media are spreading worldwide after Australia moved to ban users under the age of 16 last year, citing the negative effects of social media use on young people.

Australia passed legislation prohibiting access to social media platforms for users under 16, which entered into force Dec. 10.

Facebook owner, Meta, said 550,000 accounts were deactivated following the change, including 330,000 on Instagram, 173,000 on Facebook and 39,000 on Threads.

About 10 platforms are subject to the restrictions, including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick.

Europe follows Australia’s lead

Several European countries have since moved to adopt similar measures.

Denmark signed a resolution on Nov. 7, banning users under 15 from accessing social media platforms.

Spain approved a bill in June 2024 raising the legal age for data protection consent from 14 to 16, while France and Norway have already imposed limits tied to digital maturity.

In the US, the federal system has resulted in a fragmented regulatory environment for age verification and parental consent. Several states, including Florida, are considering bans on certain platforms, while legislative efforts remain ongoing in others.

In Türkiye, the Grand National Assembly is discussing a potential ban on social media use for children under 15.

-Source: AA

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