France Moves Toward Social Media Ban for Under-15s

France is poised to join Australia in banning social media access for young teenagers, as lawmakers debate legislation that could reshape how an entire generation interacts with the digital world.

The proposed law would block under-15s from accessing platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. President Emmanuel Macron has thrown his weight behind the initiative, demanding implementation by the start of the school year in September.

A State-Controlled Digital Childhood

Under the new framework, France's media regulator would compile a blacklist of social networks deemed harmful to minors. These platforms would be completely off-limits to under-15s. A separate category of "less harmful" sites would require explicit parental approval before access.

"We cannot leave the mental and emotional health of our children in the hands of people whose sole purpose is to make money out of them," Macron declared last month, capturing the sentiment driving this regulatory push.

The legislation extends beyond social media, also banning mobile phone use in senior schools—building on existing restrictions in junior and middle schools.

Political Opportunity Meets Practical Challenge

The bill enjoys broad political support, with Macron's centrist alliance likely joined by the center-right Republicans and the populist National Rally. This rare consensus reflects growing public concern about social media's impact on youth mental health.

For Macron, sidelined by a hung parliament since calling snap elections in 2024, the social media ban represents a valuable opportunity to court public favor on an issue that transcends traditional political divides.

Yet significant hurdles remain. France must develop robust age-verification mechanisms—a technical challenge that has stymied previous attempts. A 2023 law with similar aims was struck down by courts for violating European law, forcing lawmakers back to the drawing board.

Global Movement, Local Variations

France's move reflects a worldwide shift toward restricting social networks for children, driven by mounting evidence of mental health damage. Across Europe, Denmark, Greece, Spain, and Ireland are considering similar measures. The UK government launched its own consultation on banning social media for under-16s earlier this month.

This regulatory momentum poses complex questions for tech companies, parents, and policymakers. While Australia's pioneering ban has drawn global attention, its effectiveness remains untested—the law only took effect last month.

The Enforcement Dilemma

The practical challenges are immense. How do you verify age online without compromising privacy? France already requires over-18s to prove their age when accessing online pornography, but scaling such systems while maintaining user privacy presents significant technical and legal obstacles.

Moreover, determined teenagers have historically found ways around digital restrictions. VPNs, borrowed accounts, and alternative platforms could undermine even the most sophisticated enforcement mechanisms.