France is on the verge of implementing a ban on social media for those under the age of 15. President Emmanuel Macron has called upon lawmakers to expedite this legislation as nations globally are seeking to impose stricter limits on children’s screen usage.
In a recent video shared by BFM-TV, Macron revealed his directive for the government to fast-track the legislative process. The goal is to have the bill passed by Parliament and ratified by the Senate by the upcoming school year in September.
“The cognitive and emotional well-being of our young people is not a commodity,” Macron emphasized. “Neither American platforms nor Chinese algorithms should exploit or manipulate our children and teenagers.”
This initiative follows closely on the heels of the UK’s announcement of potential similar measures, as it aims to enhance the protection of children from harmful online content and curb excessive screen time.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during his visit to the Istres military air force base in southern France on Thursday, January 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Philippe Magoni, Pool) (Philippe Magoni/AP Photo)
According to France’s health authority, half of teenagers spend between two to five hours daily on their smartphones. A report from December highlighted that approximately 90% of young people aged 12 to 17 are daily internet users via smartphones, with 58% engaging with social media platforms.
The agency warned of links between heavy social media use and reduced self-esteem, as well as increased exposure to content tied to risky behaviors, including self-harm, drug use and suicide.
France’s health watchdog warned of links between heavy social media use and reduced self-esteem, as well as increased exposure to content tied to risky behaviors, including self-harm, drug use and suicide. (Nimito/Getty Images, File)
Several French families have sued TikTok, alleging the platform exposed teens to harmful content connected to suicides.
Macron’s office told The Associated Press the video message was addressed to lawmaker Laure Miller, who is sponsoring the bill set for public debate Monday.
A December report from France’s health watchdog found about 90% of children ages 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet, with 58% using them for social media. (iStock)
“We are banning social media for under-15s, and we are going to ban mobile phones in our high schools,” Macron said. “I believe this is a clear rule. Clear for our teenagers, clear for families, clear for teachers, and we are moving forward.”
The move would follow Australia’s lead after the country introduced a world-first ban on social media for children under 16 years old in December, restricting access to platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
