France approves social media ban for under-15s starting Sept 2026

French lawmakers have approved a bill banning children under 15 years from using social media, a move expected to take effect at the start of the next school year in September 2026 . The legislation, which also prohibits the use of mobile phones in high schools, was passed by a 130-21 vote in the National Assembly and will now be reviewed by the Senate.

French President Emmanuel Macron , who fast-tracked the bill, said, “Our children’s brains are not for sale neither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks. Their dreams must not be dictated by algorithms.” The bill enjoys broad support across parties, though critics on the left argue it infringes on civil liberties.

The ban targets major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat , and similar services. Platforms will be required to implement age-verification systems , and existing accounts of under-15 users must be deactivated by December 31, 2026 . Exceptions are made for online encyclopedias, educational or scientific directories, and open-source development platforms.

The move aligns with the European Union’s Digital Services Act , which aims to protect minors online, including recommendations for a bloc-wide minimum age of 16. French health authorities highlight the need for action: half of teenagers spend 2–5 hours daily on smartphones , with 58% using social media, raising concerns about reduced self-esteem and exposure to harmful content , including self-harm, drug use, and suicide. Several families have sued TikTok in France, linking teen suicides to harmful online content.

Globally, similar measures are being adopted. Australia already bans social media use for children under 16 , affecting about 4.7 million accounts , and requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter/X, Reddit, YouTube, and Twitch to comply. Egypt is drafting legislation to limit children’s exposure to social media, though specific age limits and enforcement timelines are yet to be finalised. The trend reflects growing concern worldwide about child safety, mental health, and excessive screen time .

The French social media ban is seen as part of Macron’s final major domestic initiatives before leaving office next year, marking a significant step in child online protection while setting a benchmark for other countries considering similar restrictions.