Full Breakdown
France Nears Under-15 Social-Media Ban Ahead of New School Year
7/20/2026, 10:17:24 PM
France Moves Toward Under-15 Social-Media Ban
Lawmakers in Paris reached a compromise on Monday that could allow a bill banning social-media access for children under 15 to take effect at the start of the new school year in September. The amended draft will be presented to both the National Assembly and the Senate for a final vote on Tuesday. If passed, the law cannot be enacted before Aug. 10 because EU notification rules require a waiting period. The measure also prohibits mobile-phone use in high schools.
Legislative Background and EU Compatibility
The proposal was drafted to align with the EU Digital Services Act, which sets strict safety requirements for online platforms. The European Commission, however, found the earlier version of the bill overlapped with the EU law and asked France to amend it. Lawmakers ultimately agreed on a blanket ban—mirroring the National Assembly’s original approach—leaving EU authorities to enforce the age restriction. The ban excludes online encyclopedias, educational or scientific directories, and open-source software platforms.
Official Positions
- President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed the ban, describing it as one of the final major measures of his administration before he leaves office next year.
- The Senate issued a statement: “Everyone must rise to the importance of the issue at stake, which is nothing less than protecting the physical and mental health of our children.”
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for limits on children’s social-media use, urging that children under 3 have no screen exposure and noting “infinite scrolling” as an addictive trait that tech firms must address.
Concerns and Legal Challenges
France’s health watchdog reports that one in two teenagers spend two to five hours daily on smartphones, with 90 % of 12- to 17-year-olds using smartphones every day and 58 % accessing social networks. The watchdog highlighted harms such as reduced self-esteem and exposure to content linked to self-harm, drug use and suicide. Several French families have sued TikTok, alleging the platform’s content contributed to teen suicides.
Global Momentum
The French effort reflects a broader international trend. Australia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Indonesia and other nations have enacted bans on users under 15 or 16 from platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. A special EU panel has recommended forbidding access for those under 13 until platforms can prove safety, and the European Commission is expected to propose a new EU-wide measure soon.
