French lawmakers approve a sweeping social media ban for children under 15
France has passed legislation banning social media use for children under 15, aiming to protect minors from harmful digital content and addiction. The law also restricts mobile phone use in high schools, pending constitutional review.
Why it matters
This represents a significant global shift in how governments regulate tech giants to mitigate the mental health impacts of social media on youth.
PARIS — France banned children under 15 from using social media on Tuesday, becoming the first country in the European Union to pass a blanket ban on the platforms as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids.
Health Research points to how companies could make social media less addictive for teens Both chambers of the Parliament voted in favor of the measure, a flagship initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron's second term. The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools.
Several families in France have sued TikTok over teen suicides they say are linked to harmful content. Children's advocates and parents applauded the vote.
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