French lawmakers took a first step towards banning social media for under-15s, an effort championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. The legislation, which also provides for a ban on mobile phones in high schools, follows Australia's ban on social media for under-16s in December, a world first. As social media has grown, so has concern that too much screen time is arresting child development and contributing to mental health problems. He added that "social media platforms will then have until Dec. 31 to deactivate existing accounts" that do not comply with the age limit. 'Destiny of our country'In addition to combating the impact of screens and social media on the mental health of young adolescents, Attal stressed that the measure would counter "a number of powers that, through social media platforms, want to colonise minds".

Source: Philippine Star January 27, 2026 00:34 UTC