France is preparing sweeping new digital restrictions to protect minors. The government plans a social media ban for children under 15 and a complete mobile phone prohibition in high schools, starting in September 2026. This move addresses rising public concern over the impact of social media and screen time on youth mental health and behavior. It represents a significant escalation of France’s existing efforts to create safer digital environments for young people.
The Proposed Bans: Details and Scope
According to reports from Le Monde and France Info, President Emmanuel Macron’s government will introduce draft legislation in early January 2026. The two core measures are:
- A nationwide ban on social media access for children under 15. This would prohibit platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram from offering accounts to users below this age.
- An extension of the school phone ban to include high schools. Since 2018, France has banned mobile phones in primary and middle schools. The new rule would extend this to high schools (lycées), where students are currently allowed to use phones outside of class.
These proposals align with Macron’s repeated warnings that social media fuels youth violence and social instability. He pledged in his New Year’s address to “protect our children and teenagers from social media and screens.”
Challenges of Enforcement and Existing Law
Enforcement will be a major challenge. France already passed a law in 2023 requiring parental consent for social media accounts for users under 15. However, verifying ages and ensuring platform compliance has proven difficult. The new, stricter ban aims to overcome these hurdles with clearer legal mandates. The measure mirrors Australia’s landmark December 2025 law, which instituted a similar under-16 social media ban.
The Push for Broader European Regulation
Macron is also advocating for EU-wide action. Following a school stabbing in June 2025, he urged the European Union to set a minimum age of 15 for social media access. The European Parliament supported this call in November, highlighting the link between online exposure and adolescent mental health issues.
However, age restrictions remain under national authority within the EU, leading to a patchwork of rules. Macron argues that consistent EU-wide regulation would provide stronger, simpler protection across borders and improve enforcement against global platforms.
Political Context and Public Support
The initiative comes as Macron navigates a complex political landscape following the 2024 parliamentary elections. Despite domestic challenges, the proposed social media ban enjoys strong public backing. A 2024 Harris Interactive poll showed 73% of French respondents support banning social media for under-15s. Focusing on this popular, cross-partisan issue could help the government regain political momentum.
Implications and the Global Trend
If adopted, France’s measures will place it at the forefront of global youth digital protection. The high school phone ban reinforces the educational environment, while the social media age restriction sets a clear boundary for platforms. These steps reflect a growing international consensus on the need for stronger guardrails.
For parents and educators, this signals a shift toward more proactive state intervention in children’s digital lives. Analysis from institutions like the European Parliament provides context on EU-wide debates.
In conclusion, France’s planned social media ban for under-15s and expanded school phone prohibition mark a decisive turn in digital policy. By prioritizing child protection over unfettered access, France is betting on stricter regulation to safeguard the well-being of its youngest generation. This move will likely influence similar debates across Europe and beyond.
