France is set to make history as lawmakers prepare to pass a bill restricting social media access for children under the age of 15. The legislation, expected to be approved by Parliament, positions the country as a leader in protecting minors online within the European Union.
Members of both the upper and lower houses of Parliament have agreed on a final version of the bill, clearing the way for its adoption. Despite opposition from some left-leaning parties, the proposal is widely expected to pass. French Digital Minister Anne Le Henanff described the move as a significant step toward safeguarding children in the digital space.
What the New Law Proposes
The legislation introduces a strict age limit for social media use, to be implemented in phases:
- From September 1: Children under 15 will be blocked from creating new social media accounts.
- From January 2027: Existing accounts belonging to under-15s will be deactivated.
The law also includes a ban on mobile phone use in secondary schools, expected to take effect at the start of the upcoming academic year.
The push for regulation follows growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people. France’s public health authorities have previously warned that platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat can negatively affect adolescents’ mental health, particularly among girls. Lawmakers agree that stronger measures are needed to reduce these risks and create a safer online environment for children.
There were initial disagreements between lawmakers on how to enforce the rules. The Senate had proposed a system that would classify harmful platforms and allow limited access with parental consent. However, the National Assembly’s broader approach—requiring platforms to block all users under 15—ultimately prevailed. Exceptions will apply to educational and informational platforms, such as online encyclopedias.
One of the main challenges will be enforcing the law, particularly through reliable age verification systems. Social media companies will be required to adopt tools that can accurately confirm users’ ages. The European Union is also exploring similar measures, with calls from several member states to regulate children’s access to digital platforms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has supported a gradual and controlled approach to social media use among minors.
France’s move aligns with a growing global effort to regulate children’s online activity. More than 20 countries have introduced or are considering similar restrictions. In 2025, Australia became the first nation to require major platforms to remove accounts belonging to users under 16 or face penalties.
If passed, the law will mark a major shift in how governments address the influence of social media on young people. France’s approach could set a precedent for other countries seeking to strike a balance between digital access and child protection.
