France to Take Tough Stand on Screen Addiction With Youth Social Media Ban

The French government is taking a significant step regarding the mental health and safety of adolescents. According to media reports in the Reuters news organization, French President Emmanuel Macron is set to ban the use of social media among people under the age of 15, effective September 2026. He also intends to ban the use of mobile phones in high schools.

This step by France is inspired by new legislation that has passed in Australia. In December, Australia blocked Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and other social media sites for children under the age of 16. President Macron has previously stated that social media sites are to blame for increased levels of violence and addiction to screens by children.

A proposed regulation will ban anyone under the age of 15 from having a social media account. France has had a phone ban in place in primary and middle schools since 2018, which will now be extended to high schools. The government is expected to present a draft bill in early January. Macron wants this rule to be implemented across the European Union, not just in France.

France also enacted a law in 2023 that would have required parental consent for children under 15, but it was not implemented due to technical difficulties. However, despite political instability, the public appears to be in favor of this decision. According to a 2024 survey (Harris Interactive), 73% of French citizens support a social media ban for children under 15.

President Macron made it clear in his New Year's address that his priority is "protecting children and adolescents from the dangers of screens and social media." If implemented, this law would set a major example for digital safety globally.