France has become the first European Union country to approve a law banning children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, marking a significant step in efforts to address concerns over the impact of digital content on minors. The legislation, driven by President Emmanuel Macron as a key reform of his final term, was approved overwhelmingly by both chambers of the French Parliament on July 21 and 22, with the Senate voting 243 to 2 in favor and the National Assembly passing it by 279 votes to 81. The law is expected to take effect as early as September 1, pending a review by the Constitutional Council that could influence the timing of its implementation.
Under the new rules, social media companies will be required to prevent individuals under 15 from creating new accounts starting in September, with existing accounts for this age group set to be deleted by January 2027. Platforms targeted by the bill include widely used services such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and others, although some services like YouTube and WhatsApp will have partial exemptions, allowing video watching and direct messaging but restricting algorithm-driven content. Educational and encyclopedic sites are excluded from the ban.
The law also extends a prohibition on cell phone use in schools to cover all high schools, building on existing bans in primary and middle schools. French authorities say these measures aim to tackle online bullying, mental health harms, exposure to inappropriate content, and protect children from exploitation.
President Macron framed the ban as analogous to age limits on alcohol consumption, citing developmental considerations for emotional and cognitive maturity before age 15 or 16. He described the legislation as “a major step forward” in protecting French youth and highlighted it as one of his administration’s last significant domestic initiatives ahead of his departure from office in May 2027.
Despite broad support, the bill has faced criticism from some left-wing lawmakers concerned about privacy implications associated with age verification technologies, the rapid pace of the law’s rollout, and the risk of users circumventing restrictions. Some lawmakers advocated for a “two-tier” approach, distinguishing between platforms based on their potential harm and permitting parental consent on less risky sites, but the National Assembly’s blanket ban ultimately prevailed.
Enforcement will depend heavily on cooperation with European Union mechanisms, as most major social media companies are headquartered outside France. The legislation aligns with broader European efforts to regulate digital spaces more strictly, with the European Commission expected to unveil further age verification tools and social media safety rules later this year.
Other countries have adopted or proposed similar restrictions. Australia implemented a comparable ban for users under 16 in December 2025, although early data suggest that many teenagers remained active on social media despite the restrictions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has advocated for phased, gradual access to social media for children, balancing safety concerns with digital inclusion.
France's move is being closely observed by other EU member states amid growing global debate over social media’s effects on youth well-being and safety.