Proponents of the new French social media restrictions argue that the policy is a necessary intervention to safeguard the mental health of the next generation. For years, public health experts have highlighted the correlation between heavy social media usage and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues among teenagers. By requiring parental consent, the government is effectively re-establishing the role of guardians in monitoring the digital exposure of children who may not yet be equipped to handle the complexities of online social dynamics.
This move is seen as a vital step toward holding tech companies accountable for the design of their platforms. Many argue that these services are engineered to be addictive, often prioritizing engagement metrics over the well-being of younger users. By forcing platforms to implement age-verification systems, the state is compelling these corporations to prioritize safety by design. This shift ensures that the burden of protection does not fall solely on parents, who often struggle to keep up with the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Furthermore, supporters emphasize that this policy aligns with existing legal standards for protecting minors in other areas of life, such as physical safety and consumer protection. Treating digital access as a privilege requiring maturity rather than a default right for children is viewed as a responsible governance strategy. As digital platforms become the primary space for social interaction, ensuring that this space is age-appropriate is essential for fostering a healthier society and protecting vulnerable youth from predatory behavior or harmful content.