France will ban social media for children under 15 starting September 2026. The law aims to reduce online harms and excessive screen time. Parents will control minors’ access to platforms like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, and X.
The proposed legislation also seeks to limit mobile phone use in high schools. Officials argue this will reduce distractions and encourage healthier social habits. Children aged 13 to 16 will need parental consent before registering on social media. This move gives parents more authority over their children’s online activities.
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President Emmanuel Macron highlighted risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and behavioral issues in minors. Government studies link excessive screen time to sleep disruptions and violence among youth. Lawmakers argue the new rules will create a safer digital environment for children nationwide.
France’s Senate recently approved the initiative, signaling strong political support. The law will be debated in Parliament in January 2026 before it becomes final. France follows Australia, which banned social media for under-16s in December 2025, setting a global precedent for child online protection.
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Experts note a growing global trend in digital regulation. Malaysia also plans mandatory age verification for users under 16 from January 2025. Officials say these measures reflect an urgent need to safeguard minors from mental health impacts online.