France Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s From 2026
The French government is planning to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms from September 2026. The proposal is part of a broader effort to limit the impact of digital platforms on minors and address concerns related to mental health, online safety and excessive screen use. Currently, French law requires parental consent for social media use by children under 15, but authorities say the rule is difficult to enforce and has not provided adequate protection.
Legislative process and enforcement timeline
The proposed ban is expected to be introduced in Parliament in 2026 following legal and regulatory reviews. If approved, social media companies would be required to ensure that users under 15 are unable to create or maintain accounts in France. The government is considering stricter age verification mechanisms and potential penalties for platforms that fail to comply. The planned start date aligns with the beginning of the 2026 academic year.
Reasons behind the move
French officials have cited rising concerns about cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, sleep disruption and declining academic focus among children. President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly called for stronger safeguards to protect young users from what he has described as the harmful effects of unchecked social media use. The proposal also follows similar measures taken or proposed in other countries to regulate children’s access to digital platforms.
Debate and challenges ahead
The plan has sparked debate among educators, parents and digital rights groups. Supporters argue the ban is necessary to protect children, while critics question its practicality and warn of enforcement challenges. The proposal is expected to undergo further scrutiny before becoming law.
