French president Emmanuel Macron has called for an accelerated legislative process to introduce a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15 by the start of the new school year in September.
Speaking in a video released by broadcaster BFM-TV, Macron said he had asked his government to fast-track the bill so it can be adopted by parliament in time:
The brains of our children and our teenagers are not for sale.
Accusing global technology platforms of manipulating young users, he also confirmed plans to ban mobile phones in French high schools—describing the measures as clear rules for families, teachers, and students.
The proposal comes amid growing concern over children’s screen time. According to France’s health watchdog ANSES, nearly half of all teenagers spend between two and five hours a day on their smartphones, while almost 90% of 12- to 17-year-olds use a smartphone to access the internet daily. More than half use their devices primarily for social media.
ANSES has warned of links between social media use and reduced self-esteem, as well as increased exposure to content related to self-harm, drug use and suicide. Several French families have filed complaints against TikTok following teenage suicides they believe are connected to harmful online content.
Macron’s announcement follows similar debates abroad. In Australia, millions of under-16 social media accounts have been removed under new restrictions, while the British government is also considering tighter limits on young teenagers’ access to social networks.
