France’s National Assembly opened debate on legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing major social media platforms, marking an escalation of efforts to curb screen time and protect minors’ mental health.
The bill would block access to services such as Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok, while allowing limited access to other sites only with explicit parental approval.
President Emmanuel Macron has urged swift passage, calling for the measures to take effect by the start of the school year in September.
The proposal builds on earlier initiatives and follows Australia’s decision to impose a similar ban on younger users.
The draft law, authored by centrist lawmakers and based on work led by deputy Laure Miller, is expected to receive backing from pro-Macron parties as well as opposition groups including the Republicans and the National Rally.
It would also extend an existing ban on mobile phones to senior high schools, known as lycées, expanding restrictions already in place in middle schools.
Macron has framed the bill as a public health measure, arguing that children’s wellbeing should not be driven by profit motives.
The government has requested a fast-track procedure to overcome legislative delays and ensure the text reaches the Senate within weeks.
If approved by the lower house, the bill could be adopted by the upper chamber as early as mid-February.
The legislation’s success depends on establishing an effective age-verification system, an issue already under discussion at the European level.
Platforms would be required to deactivate non-compliant existing accounts by the end of the year, following an initial rollout for new accounts.
Previous attempts to restrict youth access to social media stalled after courts ruled they conflicted with European law, prompting revisions reviewed by France’s Council of State.
Public health authorities have warned that while social media is not the sole cause of declining adolescent mental health, risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content are significant.
Supporters argue the bill positions France as a potential European pioneer, while critics caution that enforcement challenges remain unresolved.