Key facts
- France has become the first EU country to approve a blanket ban on social media for children under 15.
- The legislation also prohibits the use of mobile phones in high schools.
- The bill aims for implementation by the start of the new school year in September.
- Social media companies will be required to establish age verification systems.
- The ban does not apply to online encyclopedias, educational, or scientific directories.
French lawmakers have approved a sweeping bill that bans children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, making France the first country in the European Union to implement such a comprehensive restriction. The legislation, a key initiative of President Emmanuel Macron's second term, also includes a ban on mobile phone use in high schools. The vote in both chambers of Parliament signifies a strong stance against the perceived harmful effects of digital content on young people, a concern echoed by parents and children's advocates. Several families in France have initiated lawsuits against platforms like TikTok, linking teen suicides to harmful content. Gaëlle Berbonde, a mother who campaigned for the bill, shared a personal story of her daughter's struggles with self-harm, anorexia, and depression after getting a smartphone, emphasizing the need to protect children from the influence of tech giants. The government aims to have the law in effect by the start of the new school year in September, though a constitutional review could potentially delay its implementation. The ban will not extend to online encyclopedias, educational, or scientific directories. Opposition lawmakers from the left-wing party France Unbowed have raised concerns about the bill's constitutionality, potential impact on online anonymity, and enforceability. Legal advisors also note challenges in identifying and suspending existing accounts for minors and verifying ages for new accounts. A report from France's health watchdog indicated that a significant majority of teenagers spend several hours daily on smartphones, with a large percentage accessing social networks, highlighting risks such as reduced self-esteem and exposure to content related to self-harm and suicide. The final version of the bill was agreed upon after negotiations with the European Commission, which had noted overlaps with the EU’s Digital Services Act.