France approves a bill to ban social media for under-15s, joining Australia’s strict rules as other nations consider limits to protect children’s mental health and online safety.
France approves a bill to ban social media for under-15s [Photo: X]
France has taken a bold step to protect its youth by moving to ban children under 15 from using social media. Lawmakers say the move is aimed at shielding young minds from cyberbullying, addictive screen time, and harmful content.
With social media increasingly shaping emotions, behaviour, and mental health, this landmark decision signals a shift: governments are now stepping in to regulate platforms rather than leaving child safety to voluntary corporate rules.
France has taken a bold step in the global debate over children and technology. The country has moved closer to banning social media use for children under the age of 15. Lawmakers say the goal is simple: protect young minds from harm in a digital world that moves faster than regulation.
The decision reflects growing anxiety among parents, teachers and doctors about how social media shapes behaviour, attention spans and emotional health. France’s move also signals a shift in thinking. Governments are no longer asking platforms to “do better.” They are stepping in directly.
French lawmakers point to rising cases of cyberbullying, anxiety, depression and online harassment among teenagers. Health experts have repeatedly warned that constant exposure to social media harms developing brains, especially during early adolescence. Studies in France link heavy platform use to sleep loss, low self-esteem and social isolation.
The government believes voluntary safeguards by tech companies have failed. Age limits exist on paper, but enforcement remains weak. France decided that stronger legal barriers were necessary.
The bill aims to block children under 15 from creating or using social media accounts. Platforms will need to verify users’ ages more strictly. Schools will also see tighter controls on mobile phone use, extending existing restrictions.
If passed by the Senate, the law will place responsibility on companies, not families alone. Platforms that fail to comply could face penalties.
At its core, this move challenges the business model of social media platforms. These platforms profit from attention. Children, with their long screen time and emotional vulnerability, remain easy targets.
France argues that children should not grow up inside systems designed to manipulate emotions, reward outrage and encourage endless scrolling. The ban seeks to restore balance between digital access and mental well-being.
Australia set the global precedent by banning social media for users under 16. The law forced platforms to deactivate millions of accounts. It also imposed heavy fines on companies that failed to block underage users. Australia’s approach showed that strict enforcement is possible when governments act decisively.
The UK has not imposed a full ban yet, but pressure continues to grow. Lawmakers support higher age limits and tougher age checks. The government has also explored phone curfews and digital safety laws for minors. The debate in Britain reflects a wider shift in Europe.
Malaysia plans to introduce a nationwide under-16 ban using government-linked digital verification. Norway recently raised its minimum age from 13 to 15, citing concerns over addictive algorithms and mental health risks. Both countries emphasise prevention over platform freedom.
The US lacks a national ban. Virginia chose a different path. It limits social media use for under-16s to one hour per day unless parents approve more time. The law focuses on moderation rather than prohibition.
These laws reshape how societies view childhood in the digital age. They push families to rethink screen habits and encourage offline interaction. Critics warn that bans may be hard to enforce. Supporters argue that doing nothing is worse.
The global message is clear: children’s mental health now outweighs the unchecked growth of social media platforms.
