French Lawmakers Vote to Ban Social Media for Under-15s

French lawmakers have made a significant move in protecting the well-being of adolescents by passing a bill to ban social media for users under 15 years old. This decision, reached late Monday to early Tuesday, is supported by the government and highlights France’s potential to lead Europe in this area.

Key Details of the Legislation

The new law was approved by a vote of 130 to 21 in the French National Assembly. It reflects President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to safeguarding children’s mental health. Macron stated that “the brains of our children are not for sale,” referring to various online platforms. The minister for digital affairs, Anne Le Hénanff, emphasized that the bill will now move to the Senate for further review in the coming weeks.

Timeline for Implementation

• The government aims to implement the ban by the start of the school year in 2026 for new accounts.
• Existing accounts will require age verification by January 1, 2027.

This legislation aims to restrict access to social media platforms for minors under 15, although certain educational platforms and private messaging services like WhatsApp will be exempt. The proposal is poised to make France the second country to adopt such stringent measures, following Australia, which banned social media for under-16s in December 2023.

Concerns and Criticism

During the deliberation, several lawmakers expressed concerns. Arnaud Saint-Martin from the La France Insoumise party criticized the bill as “digital paternalism.” Critiques were also raised regarding its potential oversimplification of a complex issue, particularly by environmental lawmaker Steevy Gustave.

Impact on High Schools

In addition to the social media legislation, the assembly also revised rules regarding mobile phone usage in high schools. The updated regulations will require school guidelines to dictate where and when phones can be used. If not specified, phone use will be banned during classes and in hallways, but allowed in designated outdoor areas.

Mental Health Concerns

The bill responds to warnings from the National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) about social media’s adverse effects on teenagers’ mental health. Issues such as cyberbullying, constant comparison, and exposure to violent content have been identified as significant risks. Furthermore, attention-capturing mechanisms on these platforms have raised concerns over their impact on sleep quality.

Next Steps

For the ban to be effectively enforced, an efficient age verification system must be established. Ongoing discussions at the European level are underway to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

This legislative initiative showcases France’s proactive approach to youth digital safety, anticipating a transformative shift in how social media platforms interact with minors.