France Plans to Ban Social Media for Children Starting 2026

In an effort to protect young individuals, France is gearing up to implement a ban on social media platforms for children under 15, set to take effect at the beginning of the 2026 school year. This initiative follows Australia’s groundbreaking decision to restrict social media access for those under 16, which was enacted in December. A draft bill to formalize these changes is currently being prepared for legal evaluation and is expected to be reviewed by parliament early next year.

The Proposed Measures

Recent reports from Le Monde and France Info indicate that the draft bill consists of two critical components: a prohibition on social media usage for individuals under 15 and a restriction on mobile phone usage in high schools, where students aged 15 to 18 attend classes. Mobile phones have already been banned in both primary and middle schools.

The French government plans to submit this bill to the Conseil d’État for legal scrutiny shortly. Education unions are also poised to examine the proposed ban on mobile phones in high schools.

The Rationale Behind the Ban

The government aims to enforce the social media ban starting September 2026. The draft bill emphasizes the potential dangers linked to excessive screen time among teenagers, including exposure to unsuitable content, risks of online bullying, and disrupted sleep patterns. It articulates the necessity to safeguard future generations from threats that may hinder their development and ability to coexist harmoniously in a society founded on shared values.

Macron’s Commitment

Earlier this month, President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his intentions for a social media ban aimed at young people during a public discussion in Saint Malo. He noted the growing consensus around this topic following Australia’s lead, stating, “The more screen time there is, the more school performance declines, and the more mental health issues arise.”

Macron illustrated his point with a vivid analogy: equating a teenager stepping into a high-speed Formula One car before learning how to drive. “If a child finds themselves in a Formula One car, I don’t want them to win the race; I simply want them to exit the vehicle safely. They first need to learn the rules of the road, ensure the vehicle is functioning, and practice driving with a more suitable car,” he explained.

International Perspectives on Social Media Bans

Following Australia’s lead, several other countries are contemplating similar restrictions for under-15s. Denmark aims to introduce a ban in 2026, while Norway and Malaysia are similarly focused on prohibiting social media access for those under 16. In the UK, the Labour government remains open to possibilities, asserting that “nothing is off the table,” although any rules would require strong supporting evidence.

Government Priorities and Legislative Compatibility

Anne Le Hénanff, France’s minister responsible for digital development and artificial intelligence, emphasized this month that the social media ban for under-15s is a top priority for the government. She assured that the bill would be concise and compliant with European legislation, including the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to tackle hate speech, misinformation, and digital disinformation.

Impact on Macron’s Presidency

This social media initiative is part of Macron’s broader agenda as he navigates a challenging final year in office with a politically fragmented parliament. On December 23, urgent legislation was passed to ensure governmental operations continued into January, as parliament struggled to finalize a budget for 2026.

Concerns Over Social Media Effects

A parliamentary inquiry in France revealed alarming insights into TikTok’s impacts on children, likening the platform to “slow poison.” Laure Miller, a co-chair of the inquiry, articulated that TikTok represents an “ocean of harmful content” readily accessible to children due to algorithms that isolate them within a bubble. In response, TikTok defended itself, asserting that it was being unjustly blamed for broader societal challenges.

Moreover, the parliamentary report advocates a complete ban on social media for those under 15 and suggests a “digital curfew” for 15 to 18-year-olds, restricting social media access from 10 PM to 8 AM. This inquiry was prompted by a 2024 lawsuit against TikTok, initiated by seven families claiming their children were exposed to content that contributed to suicidal tendencies.

Conclusion

As countries around the world rethink their approach to youth and social media, France is taking decisive steps geared towards safeguarding children’s mental health and well-being. With the proposed legislation on the table, the French government is focused on creating a safer digital environment for the younger generation.

• France plans to ban social media for children under 15 beginning in September 2026.
• The ban mirrors a similar initiative enacted in Australia.
• The legislation also aims to restrict mobile phone access in high schools.
• Concerns over screen time impact on youth have prompted these proactive measures.