French Legislation to Ban Social Media for Under-15s
French lawmakers have passed a significant bill aimed at banning social media use for children under the age of 15. This initiative, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, seeks to shield children from excessive screen time and its negative impact on mental health and development.
Key Features of the Legislation
- Implementation Timeline:
- The bill was passed by the National Assembly with a vote of 130 to 21.
- It will proceed to the Senate for further approval before becoming law.
- The aim is for the legislation to take effect at the start of the 2026 school year for new accounts.
- Measures to be Enforced:
- Ban on mobile phones in high schools, a step following Australia's similar ban for under-16s.
- Social media platforms must deactivate non-compliant accounts by December 31.
- Concerns Addressed:
- Excessive screen time is linked to mental health issues in children and adolescents.
- Emphasizes protection from manipulation by social media algorithms.
- Counters foreign influence through social media platforms.
Public and Political Reactions
- Support and Criticism:
- President Macron praised the vote as a "major step" for child protection.
- Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal highlighted France's potential leadership in Europe on this issue.
- Criticism from Arnaud Saint-Martin of France Unbowed, labeling the measure as "digital paternalism."
- Child protection associations advocate for holding platforms accountable rather than banning social media use.
Additional Information
- Exclusions and Requirements:
- The draft bill excludes online encyclopedias and educational platforms.
- An effective age verification system is required to make the ban feasible, with ongoing efforts at the European level.
- Historical Context:
- In 2018, France banned mobile phone use in colleges for children aged 11 to 15.
- Former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne expressed concerns about enforcement in middle schools.
