The French government is preparing to implement a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. This decision comes after the French Parliament approved a bill aimed at safeguarding young users from the potential negative effects of social media platforms. The bill is now awaiting confirmation from President Emmanuel Macron.
Historic Legislation in the EU
If enacted, France will become the first country in the European Union to impose such a restriction. President Macron expressed his support for the approved legislation via a post on platform X (formerly known as Twitter), indicating that the new rule is expected to take effect at the start of the academic year in September 2026.
Protecting Children from Digital Manipulation
Macron has previously emphasized the urgency of implementing this policy, citing the need to protect children from the manipulative nature of social media. In a video message released earlier this year, he stated that children and teenagers should not be targets for digital exploitation. He remarked, “Our children's minds are not for sale,” highlighting the importance of safeguarding their emotions and privacy against both American and Chinese algorithms.
Additional Regulations in Schools
In addition to the social media ban, France plans to prohibit mobile phone usage in schools and introduce new regulations governing social media promotions. While specific details surrounding the implementation of age verification mechanisms remain unclear, regulators are suggesting that these systems will be essential to determine whether users are old enough to create accounts.
Global Trend Towards Social Media Restrictions
France is not alone in this initiative, as several countries are beginning to impose similar restrictions on social media for minors. Australia was the first to establish such guidelines for those under 16, enforced late last year. The UK government is also planning comparable limitations, which are expected to take effect next year. Meanwhile, Spain, Greece, and Denmark are in the process of drafting similar regulations.
Indonesia has also enacted laws to limit social media access for children and teenagers under 16, reflecting a growing global concern over the impact of social media on young users. The Indonesian regulations are part of a broader effort to protect children in the digital landscape.
As these policies evolve, the effectiveness of age verification systems and their implementation across various platforms will be crucial in ensuring compliance and protecting young users from the risks associated with social media.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/07/28/11040027/perancis-blokir-media-sosial-untuk-anak-di-bawah-usia-15-tahun
