Europe's first France bans social media for under-15s

France has become the first country in Europe to introduce a ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 15, according to a law passed by its parliament. The measure was approved with 279 votes to 81, following approval by the Senate earlier in the day. The new legislation prohibits access to social media services by minors below 15 years old, marking a significant shift in digital regulation aimed at protecting young users. The rule will take effect gradually. New accounts created after September 1 will immediately be restricted, aligning with the start of the school year. Existing accounts for users under 15 will face the complete ban four months later, beginning January 1, 2027. President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his desire for the regulation to be implemented shortly after the summer holidays, ensuring a swift transition into enforcement. The law also extends to prohibit mobile phone usage during school hours at secondary schools, mirroring existing restrictions at primary schools. This dual approach reflects broader concerns over the impact of technology on education and youth well-being. Macron has been a vocal advocate for this reform, which he sees as one of the key initiatives toward the end of his presidency. French President Macron announced last month that existing accounts for underage users would be deleted during the transition period. He has pushed the reform aggressively, emphasizing its importance as part of his legacy. The decision comes amid growing warnings about the harmful effects of social media on children and adolescents, particularly regarding attention span and exposure to problematic content. Social media platforms will be required to implement systems for verifying user ages, potentially offering multiple options for verification processes. This requirement aims to ensure compliance while providing flexibility for users. According to Laure Miller, a rapporteur and member of the government, major platforms are largely prepared to meet these demands. The European Commission had previously proposed a pan-European system for age verification, and private solutions are also being developed to support such measures. The move has drawn attention from other European countries considering similar regulations. Concerns over the influence of social media on young minds have intensified in recent months, prompting calls for stricter oversight. While the law does not impose penalties on children or parents, it shifts responsibility onto platform operators, requiring them to enforce age checks effectively. As France moves forward with implementing this landmark policy, the focus will remain on how platforms adapt to the new requirements and whether they can successfully balance regulatory demands with user experience. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for future digital governance efforts across the continent.