France Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

In a bold move that’s already sending shockwaves across Europe, France’s National Assembly has approved legislation to ban children under 15 from using social media platforms including embedded “networking functionalities” found within broader apps. The vote passed by a decisive 116–23 margin and is expected to receive final approval later this year.

While the American Left continues to let Big Tech exploit children for profit and propaganda, France is taking a different path one that prioritizes childhood development over corporate convenience.

“With this law, we are setting a clear boundary in society and saying social media is not harmless,” said centrist lawmaker Laure Miller.

The new French legislation, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, is part of a growing backlash against the unchecked power of social media platforms that have become digital breeding grounds for depression, anxiety, bullying, and addiction especially among teens. Macron cited youth violence as one of the consequences of unrestricted access to social platforms, blaming them for fueling unrest and mental instability.

Key elements of the bill include:

• A complete ban on social media access for children under the age of 15.

• Mandatory age verification mechanisms enforced by platforms in compliance with European Union law.

• An extension of existing smartphone bans in schools, now covering high school students as well.

Macron is urging rapid implementation, pushing for the law to take effect before the next school year in September.

Support for the bill is broad and cuts across political lines. Even France’s populist Right is backing the legislation. Far-right MP Thierry Perez called the measure a response to a “health emergency”, highlighting the psychological cost of unrestricted online access.

“Social media has allowed everyone to express themselves, but at what cost to our children?” Perez asked.

And he’s right. According to a 2024 Harris Interactive survey, a staggering 73% of French citizens support the ban for under-15s a level of public consensus that’s unheard of in today’s political climate.

Compare this with what’s happening in the United States. While American parents are desperately trying to shield their kids from the destructive grip of TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, Democrats continue to bow to Silicon Valley donors. The same party that pushes transgender ideology in elementary schools refuses to even entertain meaningful age restrictions for social media.

Meanwhile, platforms like TikTok are being investigated for funneling data to China, and studies have shown that social media use is linked to a 71% increase in reports of depressive symptoms among teens. Yet in Washington, nothing is done because protecting Big Tech's profits is a higher priority than protecting American kids.

France isn’t alone. Australia implemented a similar social media ban for those under 16 in December, and other nations Britain, Denmark, Spain, and Greece are actively studying these policies. The European Parliament has even called for continent-wide standards on youth social media access.

Is it perfect? No. Enforcing age verification will be a logistical challenge, as Australia has already seen young users brag about bypassing restrictions. But it’s a start a statement that the safety and sanity of children matters more than tech profits or political correctness.

America would be wise to take note. If we want to stop the rising tide of mental illness, online bullying, and ideological indoctrination, it starts with taking control of what our children are exposed to online.

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