France proposes social media ban for under-15s, raising EU compliance questions

The French parliament is reviewing a bill that would ban children under 15 from using social media starting September 1, 2026, citing research on addiction, cyberbullying, harmful content, and sleep disturbances.

The initiative has the support of President Emmanuel Macron, who previously called for a parliamentary debate on the proposal this January, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“Many studies and reports confirm various risks associated with excessive digital screen use by teenagers,” the draft law states.

The government highlighted that unrestricted internet access exposes children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and disruptions to sleep patterns. The bill includes two main provisions: the first makes it illegal for online platforms to offer social media services to minors under 15, and the second bans the use of mobile phones in middle schools.

Macron emphasised that digital protection for minors is a priority for his government, but noted challenges in enforcing the rules and aligning with international law. A 2018 ban on mobile phone use in preschool and middle schools has rarely been enforced in practice.

Meanwhile, France has previously clashed with European Union rules after adopting a 2023 law establishing a “digital legal age” of 15, which was later blocked. The Senate has already approved the current proposal and sent it to the National Assembly for final approval.

France is following Australia’s example, which in December became the first country to ban social media for children under 16. 

Studies cited by the World Health Organization indicate that 11 per cent of adolescents struggle with self-control online, with social media linked to depression, lower academic performance, and negative body image.

By Jeyhun Aghazada