French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing full throttle to ban social media use for children under the age of 15, aiming to enforce the new rule by the start of the next school year in September. In a newly released video, Macron called on his government to fast-track the legal process, urging an “accelerated procedure” so the bill can clear the Senate without delay.
Declaring that “the brains and emotions of our children are not for sale,” Macron issued a direct challenge to global tech giants. “Neither American platforms nor Chinese algorithms should be allowed to manipulate our kids,” he said, signaling a crackdown on the influence of social media on French youth.
The legislation comes amid growing concerns about the mental health crisis linked to online content. France’s national health watchdog reports that 90% of teenagers aged 12 to 17 use smartphones daily, with more than half engaging with social networks. The majority of these teens reportedly spend two to five hours glued to their screens each day.
The consequences, according to the watchdog, are dire—reduced self-esteem, exposure to risky behavior, and in the most tragic cases, suicides allegedly tied to harmful content. Multiple families in France have taken legal action against TikTok, claiming the app played a role in the deaths of their children.
Macron’s plan goes beyond banning social media. He’s also pushing for a total ban on mobile phones in high schools, aiming to give students, teachers, and families a “clear rule” to follow.
France now joins a global movement. Australia recently reported the removal of nearly 5 million child-run accounts after implementing a similar law. Britain has signaled interest in following suit. With pressure mounting and public support growing, Macron appears poised to make France the next country to draw a hard line on social media access for kids.
