France is set to introduce one of Europe’s toughest online safety measures after lawmakers approved a bill that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. If the legislation receives final approval from the country’s Constitutional Council, France will become the first European Union nation to enforce such a nationwide restriction.
The proposed law is part of a broader effort to improve children’s digital safety, reduce excessive screen time and protect young users from the harmful effects of social media.
France Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
The French Parliament has passed legislation that would prevent children younger than 15 from creating or using social media accounts.
Once the Constitutional Council reviews and approves the bill, the ban will officially become law, making France the first EU member state to implement a nationwide social media age restriction. The move follows Australia, which passed similar legislation in 2024.
New Rules Extend Beyond Social Media
The legislation is not limited to social media platforms. It also introduces several additional measures aimed at creating a safer digital environment for children.
Key provisions include:
- A ban on social media access for children under 15
- Restrictions on mobile phone use in schools
- Tougher rules governing the advertising practices of social media companies
- Enhanced protections for minors online
French authorities say the measures are designed to reduce the negative impact excessive social media use can have on children’s mental health, education and overall well-being.
Age Verification Likely to Play a Key Role
To enforce the new restrictions, social media platforms are expected to introduce reliable age verification systems that can confirm whether a user meets the minimum age requirement.
However, the French government has not yet specified which technology or verification method companies must adopt.
The responsibility for developing and enforcing these standards is expected to fall to ARCOM, France’s digital communications regulator, which will oversee compliance once the law comes into effect.
President Macron Wants the Law Implemented Quickly
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed strong support for the legislation and wants the rules to be enforced before the start of the upcoming school year in September.
Following Parliament’s approval, Macron thanked lawmakers and urged authorities to move swiftly so the new protections can be introduced without delay. He had previously requested that Parliament fast-track the legislation.
Other Countries Are Considering Similar Restrictions
France is not alone in tightening regulations around children’s access to social media.
Several countries are exploring comparable measures:
- Australia approved a social media ban for minors in 2024.
- The United Kingdom has strengthened online safety rules through age verification requirements under the Online Safety Act.
- Denmark is also preparing similar legislation.
- Canada introduced a proposal in June that would restrict social media access for children aged 16 and under.
The growing number of proposals reflects increasing global concern over the impact of social media on young users.
Challenges Remain in Enforcing the Ban
Although governments are introducing stricter regulations, enforcing them may prove difficult.
Recent studies conducted after Australia’s social media restrictions found that many children continued accessing platforms despite the ban. Experts believe weak age verification systems and limited enforcement allowed underage users to bypass restrictions.
Technology companies have also faced criticism over the effectiveness of their verification methods. For example, early reports surrounding Roblox’s age verification process highlighted how difficult it can be to accurately confirm users’ ages while maintaining privacy.
France could encounter similar implementation challenges unless robust verification systems and strict enforcement mechanisms are introduced.
What the New Law Could Mean
If approved by the Constitutional Council, France’s legislation could become a landmark policy for online child safety across Europe. It may also influence other countries considering similar restrictions on children’s social media use.
While supporters argue the law will help protect young people from online harms, cyberbullying and excessive screen time, its long-term success will largely depend on how effectively age verification systems are implemented and enforced.
As governments around the world continue debating digital safety, France’s approach could set an important precedent for future social media regulation.