French legislators have agreed on a proposal that would prohibit children under 15 from using social media. The measure, which also targets mobile phone use in high schools, awaits final votes from the Senate and National Assembly .
The 58% socail media usage rate driving French legislation
The push for stricter digital boundaries in France is rooted in alarming data regarding adolescent habits. According to a report published by France's health watchdog, 90% of children between the ages of 12 and 17 use smartphones every day to access the internet. More specifically, the report notes that 58% of this demographic utilizes their devices to access social networks .
French lawmakers argue that this high level of connectivity is directly linked to a declne in mental well-being among minors. The proposed legislation aims to mitigate harmful effects such as reduced self-esteem and a higher likelihood of exposure to content that encourages risky behaviors. By removing these platforms from the daily lives of children under 15, the French government hopes to create a safer developmental environment.
Why open-source software and encyclopedias escape the ban
While the bill takes a hard line on social networking, it carefully distinguishes between entertainment-driven platforms and educational tools. The proposed ban will not apply to online encyclopedias, scientific directories, or educational resources. Furthermore, platforms dedicated to the development and sharing of open-source software are explicitly exempted from the restrictions.
This distinction suggests that the French government is not attempting to stifle digital literacy or technical skill acquisition, but is instead targeting the algorithmic nature of social media.. As reported,the bill also extends its reach into the physical classroom by banning the use of mobile phones within high schools, aiming to reduce distractions and social friction during the school day.
France joins Australia and the UK in the under-16 crackdown
France is not acting in isolation; this move is part of a growing global trend toward state-mandated digital age limits. Several other nations have already implemented similar restrictions for young people under 15 or 16. Specifically, Australia, the United Kingdom , Turkey, and Indonesia have passed bans targeting the use of platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok by minors.
This international shift reflects a broader consensus among governments that the self-regulation policies of Big Tech have failed to protect children. By codifying these bans into law, these countries are shifting the burden of responsibility from parents to the platforms and the state, signaling a new era of aggressive digital guardianship.
The gap between France's age limit and Ursula von der Leyen's under-13 proposal
Despite the internal compromise reached by French lawmakers, the bill must remain compliant with broader European Union law. This creates a complex regulatory landscape, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for a different threshold. Von der Leyen has called for a ban on social media access for those under 13 until tech companies can provide concrete proof that their platforms are safe for children.
This discrepancy leaves several critical questions unanswered. It remains unclear how the French government intends to verify the age of users to ensure the under-15 ban is effective, or how it will handle the conflict between its own age limit and the European Commission's proposed under-13 standard. additionally, while the source outlines the goals of the bill, it does not specify the penalties that social media companies will face if they fail to block French minors.
If the National Assembly and the Senate pass the bill, the law is expected to take effect at the start of the new school year in September. Meanwhile, the European Commission is expected to release a proposal for all 27 member countries to consider in the near future.
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