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French lawmakers approve social media ban for kids under 15 : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- France has become the first EU country to ban children under 15 from using social media platforms, with the law also prohibiting mobile phone use in high schools; the measure is part of President Emmanuel Macron's agenda and aims to take effect by September.
- The ban responds to growing concerns about the harmful effects of social media on youth mental health, including links to self-harm, anorexia, depression, and suicides, as highlighted by families suing TikTok and health reports.
- The legislation excludes educational and scientific online content but faces opposition over enforcement challenges, constitutional concerns, and the practicalities of age verification and account suspension.
- Similar restrictions are emerging globally, with Australia banning social media for under-16s and European countries like Spain, Denmark, Greece, and the UK considering or implementing age limits; the EU is also contemplating a unified approach to protect children online.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen advocates for strict screen time limits for young children and safer platform designs, signaling forthcoming EU-wide proposals to regulate children's social media access.
