France to ban knife sales and social media for minors after school stabbing

France to ban knife sales and social media for minors after school stabbing

French authorities have announced new measures to tackle youth violence, including banning knife sales to minors and restricting social media access for under-15s, following the fatal stabbing of a teaching assistant by a 14-year-old pupil in Nogent, eastern France.

The incident occurred during a school bag search on Tuesday, leaving 31-year-old Melanie—who had worked at the school since September and was a mother of one—dead. A minute of silence was observed in parliament, and a psychological support unit was set up at the school.

President Emmanuel Macron said platforms must verify users’ ages and warned that France may enforce a unilateral ban on social media for under-15s if EU efforts stall. Prime Minister François Bayrou confirmed a decree banning knife sales to minors will be issued within two weeks. He also supported introducing metal detectors in schools and called for greater vigilance from parents and educators.

Trade unions expressed concerns over implementation, noting that teaching assistants are being asked to carry out duties outside their scope. Critics also questioned the effectiveness of metal detectors, pointing out that some weapons, like ceramic blades, may evade detection. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.