Macron cemented his legacy by banning social media for young people

A criminal online community known as The Com, or The Community, has been identified as actively targeting children through social media platforms and gaming environments, exposing them to extreme violence, self-harm content, and psychological manipulation. According to experts, this group operates across multiple digital spaces, including TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and other platforms commonly used by young users. Members of The Com are accused not only of sharing illegal content but also of encouraging minors toward self-harm, violence, and sexual exploitation. The group’s methods involve initially engaging with vulnerable children who seek content related to mental health issues or emotional distress. Once contact is established, these individuals are gradually drawn into more private and encrypted conversations, where they are manipulated and pressured into providing personal information or images. According to legal expert Đuro Lubura, the community's goal is the spread of violence, and its members often target children who are already emotionally fragile. Psychologist Ivan Ćaleta explained that algorithms on social media platforms play a role in connecting vulnerable youth with such groups. Children who search for content related to mental health or feelings of isolation are often exposed to further harmful material, which leads them to interact with individuals who exploit their vulnerability. This process can lead to exposure to graphic violent imagery, which is accessible even after initial engagement on mainstream platforms. Parents have expressed concern over the issue, acknowledging the difficulty in monitoring their children’s online activities fully. Many parents rely on parental controls and limit access to certain websites, but they recognize that complete oversight is challenging. Some emphasize the importance of building trust with their children so they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences openly. Experts recommend open communication and education as key strategies for addressing the risks associated with such communities. Lubura emphasized the need for parents to pay attention to behavioral changes in their children, such as increased withdrawal or secrecy around mobile devices, which could indicate underlying problems. He suggested using technology tools to restrict access to inappropriate content while maintaining an open dialogue with children. Europol has warned that the content within The Com is filled with coded language and messages promoting self-harm and sexual abuse. Within the network, members compete to become more notorious, gaining status through posts depicting violent acts, blood walls, and satanic symbols. Some members are reportedly forced to engrave the names of their abusers onto their bodies, and there are manuals available for committing murder and violent attacks. Over 4,000 internet addresses linked to this activity have been reported. In a separate development, France has taken steps to address concerns over the impact of social media on young users. President Emmanuel Macron has secured a major victory in his second term with the passage of legislation banning children under 15 from using social media platforms. This makes France the first European Union country to implement such a measure, following Australia's similar law introduced in late 2025. The new French law mandates that platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat introduce age verification systems. Implementation will occur in two phases: restrictions on new accounts begin on September 1, and existing accounts will face limitations starting January 1, 2027. This law builds upon previous legislation from 2023, which required platforms to obtain parental consent before allowing underage users to create accounts. However, technical challenges hindered its implementation. The decision was influenced by findings from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses), which highlighted the negative effects of excessive social media use on adolescent mental health. The law includes exceptions for educational resources and encyclopedic sites but does not impose penalties on either children or parents. France’s approach contrasts with Australia’s experience, where the government faced difficulties enforcing similar measures. Despite the introduction of fines for companies failing to prevent underage access, enforcement has proven inconsistent, with many teenagers continuing to use restricted platforms. These challenges raise questions about the practicality of implementing such laws effectively. As both countries continue to refine their approaches, the focus remains on balancing protection for young users against the realities of digital engagement. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to ensure that children are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the online world safely.