France plans to ban social media for under-15s
The French government, led by Emmanuel Macron, has initiated actions to accelerate the processing of a law that would prevent young people under 15 years old from using social platforms. The goal is for this restriction to begin to apply with the start of the school year in September 2026. To achieve this, a fast-track parliamentary procedure has been requested to shorten the debates. 🚫
Protecting young people from dangers on the internet
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to safeguard children and adolescents in the digital environment. The bill aims to keep them away from potentially harmful content, online bullying, and the negative effects of using screens for too long. The proposal also supports limiting the use of phones in high schools, a practice that already applies in several educational centers in the country.
Key objectives of the measure:- Create a legal barrier for access to social media based on age.
- Reduce exposure to cyberbullying and inappropriate materials.
- Promote a more controlled and healthy use of technology.
By activating a fast-track legislative route, the government seeks to bypass prolonged discussions and approve the law quickly.
Legislative urgency generates controversy
Opting for an accelerated process allows avoiding extensive discussions in the National Assembly and the Senate, but it also opens a fundamental debate. It questions how to balance the protection of minors with respect for their freedoms in the digital space. This proposal arises as global concern grows about how social media affects the psychological well-being of young people and how they should be regulated.
Main points of debate:- The balance between child safety and digital rights.
- The effectiveness of an age-based ban versus education.
- The role of parents and platforms in supervision.
A digital future under discussion
While legislators debate how to protect the new generation from online risks, many of those same teenagers will likely continue interacting on the platforms sought to be restricted, often from devices they received as gifts. This law poses a turning point in how societies manage young people's relationship with technology. 🔍