France Moves to Restrict Social Media Access for Under-15s

France Moves to Restrict Social Media Access for Under-15s
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France will examine proposed legislation in January aimed at restricting social media use for children under 15 and banning mobile phones in high schools, Anadolu Agency reported. The bill is scheduled for review by the Council of State on Jan. 8 and is intended to take effect at the start of the September 2026 school year.

Government sources said the draft law has been carefully prepared to comply with European Union regulations, addressing legal issues that undermined earlier efforts. The proposal would prevent under-15s from accessing social media platforms and extend existing restrictions on mobile phone use to include high schools nationwide.

President Emmanuel Macron has publicly backed tougher digital controls, citing concerns about student wellbeing and classroom focus. France already bans mobile phones from nursery through middle school under a 2018 law, though enforcement has been uneven. Studies have repeatedly highlighted links between heavy social media use, mental health risks, and reduced academic attention among teenagers.