France Passes Bill Banning Social Media Use for Young People Under 15

On July 21, France’s Parliament passed a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating social media usage among minors, marking a historic step in the European Union’s approach to child safety online. The new law prohibits children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, a response to growing concerns surrounding the mental health implications linked to these digital environments.

The legislation, which is set to take effect on September 1, 2023, will prevent minors from creating new accounts on popular social media platforms. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle troubling trends related to mental health among young people, particularly rising incidents of depression and suicidal behaviour that have been increasingly associated with online interactions.

President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in response to the Parliament’s vote, expressed his firm commitment to safeguarding young people. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he acknowledged the efforts of lawmakers in enacting the ban and stated, “It’s up to the Constitutional Council to rule, then on to action to make this measure concrete and protect our children.” Macron deemed the legislation “a major step forward” for child protection in France.

The parliamentary vote saw 279 members supporting the bill, while 81 opposed it. This overwhelming majority highlights the political will to address the obvious risks posed by social media to vulnerable populations. The legislation’s phased approach includes a second phase due to commence in January 2027, where minors with existing accounts will need to verify their age to continue using these services.

The urgency of such measures is underscored by recent lawsuits filed against social media companies like TikTok. Families in France have reported alarming trends, alleging that these platforms contribute to serious mental health challenges among teenagers. One advocate, Gaëlle Berbonde from Paris, shared her motivation for campaigning against social media use among minors, following her daughter’s experiences with anorexia and depression linked to app usage. “We have no other option, no other way to counter tech giants,” Berbonde stated, asserting the need for protective measures akin to those in place against alcohol consumption.

With this action, France becomes the second country to enforce a social media ban for minors, following Australia’s introduction of similar restrictions for those under 16, which began in December 2025. However, evidence from Australia suggests that compliance with such laws may be challenging. A report from the University of Newcastle indicated that despite the restrictions, over 85% of young teens continued to engage with social media months after the ban was implemented.

French Parliament member Joël Bruneau voiced the crucial need for a regulated approach to social media, arguing that frequent use is detrimental to children’s development. “It’s therefore quite legitimate that all social networks, whatever their nature, should be subject to the same regulations, even if some find it harder to comply than others,” he stated.

The enactment of this legislation raises pertinent questions about the role of government in regulating digital spaces commonly inhabited by youths. While there is widespread recognition of the potential dangers of unregulated social media exposure, the effectiveness of such a ban remains to be seen, particularly in light of challenges experienced in other countries.

As the deadline for implementation approaches, stakeholders—including educators, parents, and mental health professionals—are closely monitoring the situation to gauge the impact of these new regulations. Ensuring young people’s safety in an increasingly complex digital landscape remains a top priority for many, and this ban represents a bold step in the effort to protect children from potential harms. The success of France’s approach may well influence other nations considering similar policies, shaping the future of online engagement for younger generations.