France Expedites Ban on Social Media for Under-15s to Launch Next School Year

President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the French government will accelerate the legislative process to ban social media access for minors under 15, with the law set to take effect as early as the next school year. In a video broadcast on January 24, 2026, Macron emphasized the urgency of the measure, stating, "The brain of our children is not for sale," highlighting concerns over the manipulation of young people’s emotions by American platforms and Chinese algorithms.

The legislation, proposed by Renaissance deputy Laure Miller and supported by the government, will be examined in Parliament starting Monday under an expedited procedure stipulated by the Constitution. Alongside restricting social media for under-15s, the law includes a ban on mobile phone use in high schools beginning in 2026. This dual approach aims to safeguard the health and wellbeing of youth against the adverse effects of digital exposure.

The initiative follows a critical report by the French National Agency for Health Security (Anses) regarding social media risks for adolescents. However, it has met opposition, notably from La France Insoumise (LFI), which plans to introduce a motion to reject the legislation, criticizing it as a paternalistic and simplistic approach to digital regulation. Conversely, right-leaning parties such as the Rassemblement National express support for the restrictions.

To ensure compliance with European digital service regulations, the initial draft was revised after concerns from the Conseil d’État. The enforcement of the law will require a robust age verification system to effectively prevent underage social media use.

The government’s fast-track procedure aims to clarify the rules quickly for adolescents, families, and educators, protecting children from emotional exploitation through digital platforms. Macron’s announcement underscores the commitment to addressing the growing societal challenge posed by social media on young minds.