Macron backs bill: France plans social media ban for under-15s; draft law cites screen time risks

France is preparing a fresh legislative push to curb excessive screen time among children, with a draft law proposing a ban on social media access for those under 15 by next September, according to a document seen by AFP.

The move has the backing of President Emmanuel Macron, who earlier this month said Parliament should begin debating the proposal in January. The initiative follows Australia’s decision this month to impose a social media ban on children under 16, a move described as a world first.

“Many studies and reports now confirm the various risks caused by excessive use of digital screens by adolescents,” the draft law states.




The government said children with unrestricted online access are exposed to “inappropriate content” and risk cyber-harassment, while excessive screen use can also disrupt sleep patterns.

The proposed law contains two key provisions. One would make it illegal “the provision by an online platform of an online social media service to a minor under 15”. The second calls for a ban on mobile phone use in secondary schools.

Macron has repeatedly said that protecting minors in the digital space is a priority for his government. However, enforcement challenges and compliance with international and European Union law have complicated previous efforts.

France already introduced a ban on mobile phone use in pre-schools and middle schools in 2018, but the measure is rarely enforced. In 2023, the country also passed a law setting a “digital legal age” of 15, but it has since been blocked for violating European Union rules.

Earlier this month, France’s upper house, the Senate, backed an initiative aimed at protecting teenagers from excessive screen time and social media access. The proposal includes a requirement for parental authorisation for children aged between 13 and 16 to register on social media platforms.

The Senate-backed proposal has been sent to the National Assembly, which will need to approve the text before it can become law.