France Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s From 2026, Reports Say
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
Paris, Dec 31 (GeokHub) France is preparing legislation that would bar children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms starting in September 2026, alongside a proposal to extend an existing ban on mobile phones to high schools, according to French media reports.
The planned measures reflect growing concern within the country over the effects of social media on minors, including links to youth violence, mental health issues and excessive screen exposure.
President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly argued that online platforms play a role in the deterioration of social behaviour among young people and has expressed interest in aligning France with countries taking tougher regulatory approaches. Australia introduced a landmark ban on social media access for under-16s late last year, covering platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube.
Draft Law Expected in January
According to reports by Le Monde and public broadcaster France Info, the French government is expected to submit draft legislation for legal review in early January. The Elysee Palace and the prime minister’s office declined to comment on the reports.
Macron did not explicitly mention the proposed ban during his New Year’s Eve address, but said France must do more to protect children and teenagers from the harmful effects of screens and social media.
France already prohibits mobile phone use in primary and middle schools, a rule introduced in 2018. The new proposal would extend that restriction to high schools, which currently allow limited phone use.
Previous Rules Proved Hard to Enforce
In 2023, France passed a law requiring social media platforms to obtain parental consent before allowing children under 15 to open accounts. However, enforcement has been uneven, with authorities citing technical and verification challenges.
Macron has previously called for action beyond France’s borders. Following a fatal school stabbing earlier this year, he urged the European Union to consider a bloc-wide ban on social media access for under-15s. While the European Parliament has supported stronger age restrictions, individual member states retain authority over age limits.
Public Support Remains High
Despite political turmoil at home following inconclusive parliamentary elections in 2024, tougher controls on children’s online access appear to enjoy broad public backing. Opinion polls last year showed nearly three-quarters of respondents supported banning social media use for under-15s.
