France's National Assembly voted 116-23 to advance a bill that would bar children under 15 from social media, citing concerns about bullying and mental health. The measure, championed by President Macron, seeks to take effect by September and would require platforms to use EU-compliant age verification. The law also extends existing school smartphone bans to high schools, but experts warn enforcement may be difficult based on Australia's rollout. Public support appears strong, with a 2024 Harris Interactive poll showing 73% approval.
France's National Assembly Backs Ban on Social Media for Under-15s, Sends Bill to Senate
Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Reddit applications are displayed on a mobile phone in this picture illustration taken on December 9, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/Illustration
PARIS — France's National Assembly on Monday voted 116 to 23 to advance legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, a move driven by growing concern over online bullying and the mental health of young people.
The draft law would bar under-15s from using social networks and "social networking functionalities" embedded within broader platforms. After the lower house approval, the bill now moves to the Senate; if approved there, it would return to the National Assembly for a final vote.
Government Push And International Context
President Emmanuel Macron has pointed to social media as one contributing factor in youth violence and is urging rapid action. He has asked that the ban be in place by the start of the next school year in September.
France is following Australia, which in December implemented a world-first restriction barring under-16s from social platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. Several European countries — including Britain, Denmark, Spain and Greece — are studying similar measures, and the European Parliament has called for EU minimum-age guidance while leaving age-limit implementation to member states.
Teenagers pose for a photo while holding smartphones in front of a France flag in this illustration taken September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Support, Enforcement Challenges And School Rules
Centrist lawmaker Laure Miller, presenting the bill, told the chamber:
"With this law, we are setting a clear boundary in society and saying social media is not harmless. Our children are reading less, sleeping less, and comparing themselves to one another more. This is a battle for free minds."
The proposal would require platforms to block access by younger teens using age-verification systems that comply with EU law. However, enforcement poses practical challenges: Australia reported early rollout problems after underage users posted messages claiming continued access, highlighting potential loopholes and technical limitations.
The legislation would also extend France's current smartphone ban in junior and middle schools to include high schools, aiming to reduce in-school distractions and online harms.
Public Opinion And Reactions
A 2024 Harris Interactive survey found that 73% of the French public supported banning social media access for under-15s. Political support spans much of the spectrum; far-right deputy Thierry Perez called the bill a response to a "health emergency." At the same time, teenagers interviewed on Parisian streets were split: some acknowledged the risks, while others said a blanket prohibition would be excessive.
The bill's passage through the Senate and any amendments there will determine the final shape and timetable of the law. Lawmakers and platforms will also need to reconcile child-protection goals with privacy, technical feasibility and EU legal standards for age verification.
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