France Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s in 2026

France is set to introduce legislation banning children under 15 from accessing social media platforms, with the measure potentially taking effect in September 2026, following Australia's recent implementation of a similar restriction for minors under 16. The proposal, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, aims to shield young people from online harms such as cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues linked to excessive screen time.

The draft law, which French officials plan to submit for legal review in early January 2025, would prohibit social media companies from providing services to users under 15, shifting the burden of enforcement onto the platforms rather than parents. Platforms would need to implement strict age verification to block underage accounts, with violations potentially leading to significant penalties. In addition, the legislation would extend France's existing ban on mobile phones in primary and middle schools, enacted in 2018, to high schools starting in September 2026. Macron has indicated he may outline these plans in his New Year's Eve address on December 31, 2024, highlighting the government's priority on digital child protection.