The story so far
French Social Media Ban
Tracked across 3 sources · Updated 9h ago
France becomes the first EU nation to approve a law banning social media access for children under 15. The bill also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools. President Macron supports the measure, aiming to protect minors online.
How it unfolded
2d ago
France passes law banning social media for under-15s
2d ago
French parliament backs social media ban for under-15s
2d ago
French lawmakers expected to approve under-15 social media ban
What happened earlier
Latest updates
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Full story →France Becomes First EU Nation To Ban Social Media For Children Under 15
France passed a law banning social media for children under 15 without parental consent.
The law also prohibits phone use in high schools.
Both chambers of France's Parliament approved the legislation.
The ban is set to take effect by September.
France is the first EU nation to implement such a ban.
Earlier · 1d ago
Full story →France likely to become first EU nation to approve social media ban for under-15s
French lawmakers are expected to approve a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making France the first EU nation to do so.
The ban will block under-15s from creating new accounts starting September 1, 2026, and apply to existing accounts from January 2027.
The bill also includes a mobile phone ban in secondary schools, championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a flagship reform.
The lower house's approach requiring platforms to refuse new users under 15 and suspend existing accounts prevailed over a two-tier system from the Senate.
Exceptions are provided for sites like online encyclopaedias and educational platforms.
Earlier · 14h ago
Full story →France lawmakers pass law banning social media for children under 15; first EU nation to do so
France passed a law banning social media for children under 15, becoming the first EU nation to do so.
The law also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools, with President Macron aiming for implementation at the start of the next school year.
The ban excludes online encyclopedias and educational/scientific directories.
The law stems from concerns over social media's impact on children's mental health, with French families filing lawsuits against TikTok.
France joins Australia (ban under 16) and other countries considering similar restrictions, while the European Commission examines bloc-wide measures.