In a significant move to safeguard young minds, the French government is set to implement a sweeping ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 15. The landmark policy, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, is slated to commence at the start of the 2026 academic year in September.
France's Two-Pronged Legislative Approach
According to a detailed report by Le Monde, a draft bill has been finalized, outlining two core measures. The first is the ban on social media access for individuals below 15 years of age. The second is a prohibition on mobile phone usage within high schools, which cater to students aged 15 to 18. The legislation explicitly cites "the risks of excessive screen use by teenagers", highlighting concerns over exposure to harmful content, online bullying, and disrupted sleep patterns. The bill's text underscores a mission to "protect future generations" from digital threats that could impair their development and social cohesion.
Australia's Pioneering Law and Global Ripple Effect
France's initiative follows the world-first precedent set by Australia. In December 2025, Australia enacted a ban on major social media platforms—including TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads—for users under 16. The law prevents new account creation and deactivates existing profiles for this age group. Crucially, the penalty for infringement targets not children or parents, but the social media giants themselves, who face fines of up to $32 million for serious or repeated breaches.
This reflects a growing global scrutiny of social media's role in childhood. Other nations are adopting varied approaches:
- Italy mandates parental consent for social media use by minors under 14.
- South Korea's media regulator nominee stated in December 2025 his intent to pursue restrictions on teenage social media use.
- North Korea maintains near-total restrictions on social media and internet access.
Why Experts Say This Ban Matters for Mental Health
Compelling research underscores the urgency behind such legislative actions. A 2023 study from the University of Toronto linked greater screen time among 9 to 11-year-olds to a 9% higher risk of developing suicidal behaviours two years later. Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatric expert from the University of California, San Francisco, explains that screen usage can lead to social isolation, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption, displacing crucial activities like in-person socializing and physical exercise.
Further evidence comes from a 2025 study by UC San Francisco researchers, which found that as preteens' social media use surged from an average of 7 to 73 minutes daily over three years, their depressive symptoms increased by 35%. "These findings provide evidence that social media may be contributing to the development of depressive symptoms," Nagata stated, adding a crucial caveat that while screens offer benefits like education, parents must actively mitigate risks through conversation and role modeling.
However, enforcement remains a challenge. Another 2025 study revealed that most 11 and 12-year-olds in the US used TikTok and other platforms despite age restrictions. This indicates that bans must be part of a broader, systemic solution involving effective online protection measures. As France prepares to join Australia at the forefront of this digital child protection movement, the world will be watching to witness the real-world impact of these bold policies on the well-being of the next generation.
