French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an accelerated legal process to implement a ban on social media for children under 15 by the start of the new school year in September.
In a video statement released by BFM-TV, Macron emphasized that the brains and emotions of children and teenagers should not be for sale or manipulation, warning against both American and Chinese platforms. He has asked the government to fast-track the bill so it can be adopted by the Senate in time.
This move follows similar considerations by the UK government, which is exploring restrictions on social media use for young teens to protect them from harmful content and excessive screen time.
According to France’s health watchdog ANSES, one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours daily on smartphones, with almost 90% of youth aged 12–17 accessing the internet daily and 58% using social networks. ANSES highlighted risks including reduced self-esteem and exposure to content linked to self-harm, drug use, and suicide. Several French families have filed complaints against TikTok following teen suicides they associate with dangerous online content.
Macron stated: “We’re banning social networks for under-15s and mobile phones in high schools. This is a clear rule for teenagers, families, and teachers.” He referenced the pending bill, describing it as a simplified text corresponding to this promise.
Similar initiatives abroad, such as Australia’s under-16 social media ban, have already led to the removal of around 4.7 million accounts linked to children, sparking debates over technology use, privacy, safety, and youth mental health. Macron’s proposal positions France among the leading European nations pursuing stricter digital regulations for minors.
