France Passes Social Media Ban for Under-15s

UPDATE Jul 21, 2026 9:44 PM CDT

France banned children under 15 from using social media on Tuesday, becoming the first country in the European Union to pass a blanket ban on the platforms as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids. Both chambers of the Parliament voted in favor of the measure, a flagship initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron's second term, the AP reports. The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools. "France is leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children and teenagers," Macron said, per France24. He has pledged to enforce the ban by the time children return to school in September.

Jul 20, 2026 4:25 PM CDT

French lawmakers reached a compromise Monday that could allow a bill prohibiting the use of social media for children under 15 to take effect at the start of the new school year in September. With Parliament's summer recess looming, time is running out. After the European Commission found that the latest version of the bill was not fully compatible with EU law, members of the National Assembly and the Senate held conclusive talks Monday, sealing a deal on an amended bill that will go before both chambers for a final vote on Tuesday, the AP reports.

President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed the ban, which could become one of the final major measures adopted before he leaves office next year. The bill also bars the use of cellphones in high schools. The ban won't cover online encyclopedias, educational or scientific directories, or platforms for the development and sharing of open-source software. If adopted Tuesday, the law can't be passed before Aug. 10 because of the notification period required by EU law.

According to France's health watchdog, one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours a day on a smartphone. In a report published in December, it highlighted harmful effects of social network use, including reduced self-esteem and increased exposure to content associated with risky behaviors such as self-harm and drug use.