France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s

Tue Feb 03 2026 12:58:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The French National Assembly has taken a significant step toward legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing major social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok, in a bid to protect their mental health.

In a move echoing a global shift towards child protection online, French lawmakers have begun the process to ban social media access for individuals under 15 years old. With backing from President Macron, the proposed legislation could restrict platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, amid growing concerns over their impact on mental health. Supporters of the law argue that social networks have become harmful to young users, a sentiment resonating in various countries also considering similar restrictions. The French government aims to enact the law by the next school year.

France's National Assembly has taken a first step towards banning social media access for under-15s, a proposal backed by President Emmanuel Macron. Lawmakers in the lower house agreed on key elements of the bill, which still needs approval from the Senate.

If passed, this law would prevent young teenagers from using platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Supporters, including MP Laure Miller, argue that social networks are detrimental to mental health and create greater societal divisions rather than connections. Macron stressed the urgency of implementing the ban by the beginning of the school year in September 2026.

The proposed law includes the creation of a list of harmful social media networks that would be off-limits to users under 15, as well as a separate list of less harmful platforms accessible only with parental approval. France's initiative follows similar measures in Australia and is part of a broader trend across Europe to safeguard the well-being of children on the internet.

This legislation represents a chance for the Macron government to garner public support amidst political challenges, as concerns grow regarding the psychological effects social media has on youth, aligning with efforts from other countries to reevaluate online safety for children.