**French Parliament Passes Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-15s**
On July 21, 2026, France's parliament made a significant move in child protection by passing a bill that prohibits children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. This legislation, which has garnered attention both domestically and internationally, aims to address growing concerns regarding the impact of digital content on young users.
The bill received support from lawmakers in both chambers of France's parliament, marking a notable step in the country’s efforts to safeguard children from potential online harms. In addition to the social media ban, the legislation also includes a provision that prohibits students from using mobile phones within school premises.
President Emmanuel Macron, who has been a vocal advocate for the initiative, hailed the parliament's approval as “a major step forward.” He emphasized that France is taking a leadership role in Europe regarding the protection of children and teenagers in the digital age. Macron has expressed a desire for the ban to be implemented by September 2026, coinciding with the start of the new school year. However, the implementation may face delays pending a review by the Constitutional Council to assess its compatibility with the French constitution.
In a statement shared via social media, Macron noted, “The Constitutional Council must now rule on it, and then it will be time to take action to make this measure a reality and protect our children online.”
The ban is set to be executed in two phases. Beginning September 1, 2026, children under 15 will be prohibited from creating new social media accounts. Existing accounts will be affected starting January 2027, with Digital Minister Anne Le Henanff stating, “If someone is under 15, the account will be closed.” The legislation also assures that users' personal data will be protected, and it will not apply to educational resources such as online encyclopedias or scientific directories.
The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, which have been criticized for their potential negative effects on the mental health of adolescents, particularly girls. In light of this, several families in France have taken legal action against TikTok, claiming that harmful content on the platform has contributed to teen suicides.
While the bill has received widespread support from parents and child advocacy groups, some lawmakers, particularly from the left-wing party France Unbowed, have raised concerns regarding its constitutionality. Critics argue that the bill could infringe on online anonymity and may be challenging to enforce effectively.
Gaelle Berbonde, a parent and advocate for the legislation, expressed her support, stating, “We’ve been campaigning for this bill from the start because, frankly, we have no other option, no other way to counter tech giants. The only thing we can do is protect our children, just as we protect our children from drinking alcohol.”
As France becomes the first country in the European Union to enact a comprehensive ban on social media for children under 15, the implications of this legislation will be closely monitored both within France and across Europe. The outcome of the Constitutional Council's review will be pivotal in determining the timeline and feasibility of implementing this groundbreaking measure.