France nears social media ban for children under 15 from September

French lawmakers have agreed on a final version of a bill to block social media access for children under 15. The compromise clears the way for a September rollout while keeping France aligned with EU oversight.Stock photo used for illustrationFrench lawmakers have reached a compromise that could allow a bill banning social media for children under 15 to come into force at the start of the new school year in September. With Parliament's summer recess nearing, members of the National Assembly and the Senate held final talks on Monday after the European Commission said the latest version of the bill was not fully compatible with EU law.The amended bill, agreed on Monday, will go before both chambers for a final vote on Tuesday. Strongly backed by President Emmanuel Macron, the measure would also ban the use of mobile phones in high schools and could become one of the final major measures adopted under his leadership before he leaves office next year.The main disagreement between the two chambers was over which platforms should be covered. The National Assembly had voted to ban all online social networking services for those under 15, while senators wanted a blacklist of platforms to be drawn up. The bill had been designed to comply with the EU Digital Services Act, which sets strict requirements aimed at keeping internet users safe online.While backing the goal of better protecting minors, the European Commission said the draft law overlapped with the EU act and asked France to amend it. Lawmakers eventually agreed on a blanket ban, in line with the National Assembly's original version, while leaving EU authorities responsible for ensuring platforms comply with the age restriction. The ban would not apply to online encyclopedias, educational or scientific directories, or platforms used for the development and sharing of open-source software. If the bill is passed on Tuesday, it still cannot be enacted before August 10 because of the notification period required under EU law. According to France's health watchdog, one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours a day on a smartphone. In a report published in December, it said about 90 per cent of children aged 12 to 17 use smartphones every day to access the internet, with 58 per cent using them for social networks.The report pointed to several harmful effects linked to social media use, including lower self-esteem and greater exposure to content associated with risky behaviour such as self-harm, drug use and suicide. Several families in France have sued TikTok over teen suicides they say are linked to harmful content. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for limits on children's use of social media. A special EU panel examining the issue recommended banning access for those under 13 until technology companies can show their platforms are safe. Von der Leyen also said children under 3 should have no exposure to screens and described infinite scrolling as one of the "addictive" features that companies must address. The European Commission is expected to put forward a proposal for the 27 member countries to consider soon.The French move comes amid wider global action on children's use of social media, with countries including Australia, the UK, Turkey and Indonesia passing bans on under-15s or under-16s using platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. In France, lawmakers have now agreed on a final version of the bill, with a vote due on Tuesday and the possibility of the law taking effect from the new school year in September.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Jul 20, 2026 22:12 IST