Macron Accelerates Push for Social Media Ban Targeting Children Under 15
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a decisive move to fast-track legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. This initiative aims to implement the ban by September, coinciding with the start of the next school year, as Macron emphasizes the urgent need to shield young minds from digital manipulation and harmful content.
Protecting Young Brains from Digital Exploitation
In a video released late Saturday by French broadcaster BFM-TV, Macron articulated a firm stance against the commercialization of children's emotions and cognitive development. "The brains of our children and our teenagers are not for sale," he declared. "The emotions of our children and our teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated. Neither by American platforms, nor by Chinese algorithms." This statement underscores a growing global concern over the influence of foreign tech giants on youth mental health.
Macron's office confirmed that the video was directed at lawmaker Laure Miller, who is sponsoring the bill set for examination in a public session on Monday. The president has instructed his government to initiate an accelerated legal procedure, ensuring the proposed legislation can move swiftly through the Senate and become law in a timely manner.
International Context and Similar Moves
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the British government's consideration to ban young teenagers from social media, as part of efforts to tighten laws protecting children from harmful content and excessive screen time. The parallel actions by France and the UK highlight a coordinated European approach to addressing digital safety for minors.
Furthermore, Australia has already implemented a ban on social media use for those under 16, resulting in the revocation of access to approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children. This Australian law has sparked intense debates on technology use, privacy, child safety, and mental health, inspiring other nations to contemplate similar regulatory measures.
Alarming Statistics and Harmful Effects
According to a report from France's health watchdog published in December, the prevalence of smartphone and social media use among teenagers is alarming. The findings reveal that:
- One in two teenagers spends between two and five hours daily on a smartphone.
- Approximately 90% of children aged 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet.
- Among these users, 58% utilize their devices primarily for social networks.
The report also highlighted a range of detrimental effects associated with social media usage, including:
- Reduced self-esteem and increased anxiety among young users.
- Exposure to content promoting risky behaviors such as self-harm, drug use, and suicide.
- Several families in France have filed lawsuits against TikTok, linking teen suicides to harmful content on the platform.
Clear Rules for Families and Educators
Macron emphasized the importance of establishing unambiguous guidelines to support teenagers, families, and teachers. "We are banning social media for under-15s, and we are going to ban mobile phones in our high schools," he stated. "I believe this is a clear rule. Clear for our teenagers, clear for families, clear for teachers, and we are moving forward." This dual approach—targeting both social media access and mobile phone use in educational settings—aims to create a comprehensive framework for digital well-being.
As Macron prepares to travel to London on Monday, this fast-track ban represents a significant step in the global movement to regulate digital spaces for children, balancing innovation with protection in an increasingly connected world.
