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France Debates Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

Published July 25, 2026 at 4:32 PM UTC

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France is weighing a controversial proposal to ban social media access for children under 15. The plan, backed by some lawmakers and child-safety advocates, aims to shield minors from online risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and data exploitation. Supporters argue that early exposure to social media can impair social development and mental health. Critics, however, warn that the ban would infringe on digital freedoms and could be difficult to enforce. The debate comes as other European countries consider similar restrictions, reflecting growing global concern over children's online safety. President Emmanuel Macron has signaled openness to the idea, but no formal legislation has been introduced yet. The proposal would likely require parental consent for minors under 15 to create accounts, potentially with age-verification measures. Tech firms have raised concerns about the feasibility of such checks. The discussion aligns with broader EU efforts to strengthen digital protections for children, including the Digital Services Act. If passed, France would join a small number of nations with strict age limits on social media. The debate continues amid calls for a balanced approach that protects children without curbing their access to information and peer connection.