President Emmanuel Macron has directed the French government to expedite legislation that would prohibit social media access for children under 15, targeting implementation by September’s new school year. The announcement, made in a Saturday evening broadcast on BFM-TV, signals a aggressive stance against what Macron characterized as the exploitation of youth by foreign technology platforms.
‘The cognitive development and emotional well-being of our youth are not commodities to be traded or manipulated,’ Macron asserted. ‘This applies equally to American digital platforms and Chinese algorithmic systems.’
The French initiative emerges alongside similar considerations in the United Kingdom, where authorities are evaluating social media restrictions for adolescents as part of broader child protection measures against harmful content and excessive screen engagement.
Supporting the regulatory push, recent data from France’s national health authority reveals concerning usage patterns: approximately 90% of adolescents aged 12-17 access internet services daily via smartphones, with 58% actively engaged on social platforms. Half of French teenagers dedicate between two to five hours daily to their mobile devices.
December’s comprehensive health assessment highlighted multiple detrimental effects associated with youth social media consumption, including diminished self-esteem and increased exposure to content promoting self-harm, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior. Several French families have initiated legal proceedings against TikTok, alleging platform content contributed to teenage suicides.
The presidential administration clarified that Macron’s video statement addressed legislator Laure Miller, who is sponsoring the bill scheduled for parliamentary examination this Monday. ‘We’re establishing unambiguous boundaries: social media prohibition for under-15s and mobile phone restrictions in secondary schools,’ Macron stated. ‘This creates clarity for adolescents, families, and educators alike.’
Globally, Australia’s implementation of similar restrictions for users under 16 has resulted in social media companies disabling approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to minors. The Australian experience has sparked international dialogue balancing technological access, privacy considerations, and youth mental health protection.