In a significant move to safeguard its youth, France is set to follow Australia's footsteps by planning a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. The country also aims to extend its existing prohibition on smartphones to high schools, starting September 2026.
Macron's Push for Digital Protection
This legislative push stems from growing public concern in France regarding the negative impact of online platforms and screen time on minors. President Emmanuel Macron has frequently identified social media as a contributor to rising violence among young people. During his New Year's Eve address, he committed to "protect our children and teenagers from social media and screens", setting the stage for the upcoming legal measures.
The Macron government is preparing to submit a draft bill for legal review in early January 2025, as reported by French media outlets Le Monde and France Info. This initiative builds upon previous efforts, including a 2023 law that mandated parental consent for users under 15 to create social media accounts. However, technical hurdles have delayed the full enforcement of that rule.
From Classrooms to the European Union
France's crackdown on digital devices in educational spaces is not new. The nation has successfully banned smartphones in primary and middle schools since 2018. The new plan seeks to extend this ban to high schools from the 2026 academic year, creating a phone-free environment for all school-going children.
The tragic fatal stabbing at a school in eastern France in June 2025 further galvanised the government's resolve. Following the incident, President Macron announced his intention to advocate for social media regulation for all under-15s at the European Union level. This aligns with a November 2025 resolution from the European Parliament, which urged the EU to establish minimum age limits for social media access to combat adolescent mental health issues linked to excessive online exposure.
A Growing Global Trend
France's proposed measures reflect a broader, global anxiety about the well-being of children in the digital age. The move places it alongside other nations, like Australia, which are actively exploring or implementing similar restrictions. The core objective remains clear: to shield young minds from online harms, cyberbullying, and addictive content while promoting healthier developmental environments.
As the draft legislation moves forward, it will be closely watched by parents, educators, and policymakers worldwide, potentially setting a precedent for other countries within the EU and beyond grappling with the same challenges.
