France Considers Age Restrictions on Social Media Use

PARIS (AP) — The movement towards establishing a minimum age for using social media platforms is making headway in Europe. French lawmakers have approved a bill that prohibits social media access for children under 15, set to take effect at the next school year’s start in September.

This legislation, which also bans cell phone usage in high schools, received overwhelming support, passing with a vote of 130-21 late Monday. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged for a swift introduction of the bill, which is expected to go through debates in the Senate soon.

“A ban on social media for under-15s. This is what scientists recommend and what the French people overwhelmingly want,” President Macron remarked after the vote. “Our children’s minds shouldn’t be influenced by American platforms or Chinese networks, and their aspirations should not be dictated by algorithms.”

This issue stands out as one of the few that has achieved broad consensus in a divided Congress, despite criticisms from far-left opponents who argue that it infringes on civil liberties. Macron, who has found his domestic position weakened due to a political crisis following the dissolution of parliament, strongly backs the ban, which may be one of the last significant measures under his leadership before he steps down next year.

The French government had previously enacted laws banning phone use in all primary and secondary schools.

The parliamentary vote followed the British government’s announcement to potentially prohibit teenagers from using social media, aimed at strengthening laws to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.

The French bill aligns with the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which sets strict requirements for online safety. In November, EU legislators proposed taking action to protect minors online, including establishing a minimum age of 16 and banning harmful practices.

A French health watchdog reported that around half of teenagers spend two to five hours daily on their smartphones. A December report indicated that about 90% of children aged 12 to 17 use these devices daily for internet access, with 58% engaging in social networking.

The report identifies various negative effects stemming from social media use, such as reduced self-esteem and increased exposure to risky behavior-related content like self-harm, drug use, and suicide. Several families in France have taken legal action against TikTok, claiming a connection between the platform and teenage suicides linked to harmful content.

It’s worth noting that France’s ban will not apply to online encyclopedias, educational platforms, or open-source software-sharing sites.

Meanwhile, in Australia, social media companies have blocked around 4.7 million accounts deemed to belong to children since implementing a ban on users under 16, sparking significant discussions on technology, privacy, child safety, and mental health. This has led other nations to consider similar measures.