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France Bans Social Media for Under-15s, Following European Trend
Published: 2026/01/27 16:04:17
Overview
France has approved a bill prohibiting individuals under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, marking a significant step in the growing European movement to protect children online. The legislation,passed by the National Assembly on January 27,2026,also restricts mobile phone use in high schools. This action reflects increasing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and well-being.
Key Provisions of the French law
The new law aims to shield children from the potential harms associated with social media, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and unrealistic social comparisons. Specifically, the law prohibits:
- Access to social media platforms for individuals under 15 years of age.
- The use of mobile phones in high schools (with exceptions for educational purposes or disabilities).
The law explicitly excludes access to online encyclopedias, educational resources, scientific directories, and platforms dedicated to open-source software growth. This targeted approach aims to balance protection with access to valuable online learning tools.
Growing Concerns and Scientific Backing
French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly advocated for the ban,citing scientific recommendations and public demand.He stated that “children’s brains are not for sale-neither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks” and that their development should not be dictated by algorithms. Reuters reports that Macron emphasized the need to protect young people from the negative influences of social media.
Research consistently highlights the potential negative effects of excessive social media use on adolescents. A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Data found correlations between social media use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues among teenagers. France’s health watchdog reported in December 2025 that approximately one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours daily on their smartphones, with 58% using these devices for social networking. The report also linked social media use to reduced self-esteem and exposure to harmful behaviors like self-harm and drug use.
European Context and the Digital Services Act
France is not alone in addressing these concerns. The United Kingdom is also considering similar legislation to restrict social media access for young teenagers, focusing on protecting them from harmful content and excessive screen time. The UK Government News announced plans to tighten laws in this area.
The French bill is designed to align with the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes strict regulations on online platforms to ensure user safety. In November 2025, European lawmakers called for a unified EU-wide approach to protecting minors online, including a minimum age of 16 for social media access and bans on harmful practices. The European commission’s Digital Services Act page details these requirements.