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French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated his support for a plan that intends to keep French children under 15 off social media. In a New Year’s Eve
speech, Macron declared, “We will protect our children and teenagers from social media and screens,” as per a report from Le Monde. The French President's speech clearly reveals that he backs a proposed law that would bar social media access for anyone younger than 15. Lawmakers are expected to debate the measure in Parliament this month, with the goal of implementing it by September. According to a report from The New York Times, the same legislation would also expand France’s current ban on mobile phones in primary and middle schools to include high schools.
Here is what you need to know
The move comes just weeks after Australia became the first country to enforce a strict social media ban for children under 16. Malaysia has said it will introduce a similar rule. Across Europe, politicians in Denmark, Spain and Romania are considering similar measures.
Overwhelming majority of French citizens support a ban, according to polls
Support for the idea runs high in France. An August 2025 poll showed 79 percent of parents favor a ban. Macron has been outspoken on this issue for some time. He’s long advocated for a “digital age of majority” as part of his broader effort to combat online misinformation and harm.
Read more: Social Media Crackdown: Indian Government Issues Strict Warning To Facebook, Instagram And Other Apps Over Vulgar Content
In an April 2024 speech on Europe’s future at Sorbonne University, he called for social media limits on children under 15 across the entire continent. “Would anyone send their child into the jungle at the age of 5, 10, or 12? No one in their right mind, I think,” he said, according to The New York Times. He went on to describe social media as an unregulated space where kids face cyberbullying, pornography, and predatory behavior.
With Australia’s ban now active and France getting ready for a similar measure, momentum is building for tougher rules on children’s access to social media in several parts of the world.
