France approves social media ban for under-15s to protect children
French parliament approved a law banning social media for under-15s, requiring age verification and banning phones in schools; the reform starts in September.
The French parliament has approved a landmark social media ban for under-15s that will require online platforms to verify users’ ages and restrict access for younger children.
The measure, finalised after a vote in the lower house, aims to curb harms to child and adolescent health linked to social networks and to tighten controls on internet access.
Lawmakers approved the reform by 279 votes to 81 following a Senate vote, and authorities say the new rules will enter into force in September.
Parliament finalises social media ban for under-15s
The National Assembly confirmed the bill after debate and a decisive vote this week, making France the first European country to adopt such a nationwide restriction.
Backers framed the law as a child protection measure designed to respond to mounting evidence about the mental health and safety risks associated with early exposure to social platforms.
Age verification requirements for platforms
Under the new law, social media companies will be obliged to implement robust age verification systems to prevent children under 15 from creating or using accounts.
The requirement creates an implementation challenge for platforms that must balance privacy protections with effective identity checks, and companies are expected to adapt their account creation processes to comply.
Ban on mobile phones in schools
The reform also contains provisions that prohibit the use of mobile phones in schools, expanding an existing policy used by some authorities.
Supporters argue the school phone ban will reduce classroom disruptions and limit unsupervised social media use during school hours, while critics have questioned enforcement and the scope of exceptions for safety and educational tools.
Voting numbers and parliamentary process
The final approval followed a Senate vote earlier in the day and a subsequent affirming vote by deputies with a margin of 279 to 81.
Lawmakers discussed technical details of enforcement and the obligations placed on platforms, including the timeline for compliance and mechanisms for oversight.
Political backdrop and Macron’s pledge
The measure was among the commitments made by President Emmanuel Macron and formed a prominent element of policy discussions toward the end of his term.
Proponents described the step as a tangible response to parental concerns and a demonstration of political will to regulate large tech platforms that influence youth culture.
Enforcement, timing and penalties
Government officials have indicated that the law will take effect in September and that regulatory authorities will monitor compliance by platforms.
Sanctions for breaches could include fines or other penalties, but officials have said they will publish detailed guidance to help companies transition and to protect user privacy while verifying ages.
The law raises practical and legal questions about how age verification will be carried out without imposing excessive data collection, and how schools and local authorities will coordinate on phone enforcement.
Observers say the measure will test the capacity of regulators and companies to implement technical solutions that are both effective and respectful of minors’ personal data.
Public reactions are likely to be mixed as parents, educators and technology firms assess the implications for daily life and platform operations.
Advocates for children’s health welcomed the move as a significant step, while digital rights groups cautioned that enforcement must not create new privacy risks or barriers to information.
The new rules set a precedent in Europe and are expected to prompt debate across the continent about similar protections for minors, the responsibilities of platforms and the balance between safety and digital inclusion.
Implementation will be watched closely by other governments, industry stakeholders and advocacy groups as France moves to enforce its social media restrictions for under-15s.