French President Calls for Quick Action on Social Media Ban for Minors
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed a desire to accelerate the legal process to implement a ban on social media for children under 15, aiming for it to be in effect by September, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year.
In a recent interview with French broadcaster BFM television, Macron urged the government to initiate an expedited procedure for the proposed bill so it can be passed by the Senate in a timely manner. He stated, “The brains of our children and teenagers are not for sale. The emotions of our children and teens are not for sale or manipulated. Not by American platforms or Chinese algorithms.”
This announcement follows closely after the UK’s government indicated it might also consider restricting social media access for teenagers as part of broader efforts to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.
Statistics from France’s health authority reveal that one in two teenagers spends between two to five hours daily on their smartphones. A report published in December indicated that around 90% of kids aged 12 to 17 use their smartphones every day for internet access, with 58% utilizing them for social networking.
The report also outlines various negative effects linked to social media use, such as decreased self-esteem and heightened exposure to risky behaviors, including self-harm, drug use, and suicide. Several French families have taken legal action against TikTok, claiming a connection between the platform and instances of teenage suicide related to harmful content.
Macron’s office confirmed that the video message was aimed at lawmaker Laure Miller, the bill’s sponsor, who will present it in parliament on Monday. He remarked, “We will ban social media for those under the age of 15 and we will also ban the use of mobile phones in high schools. I think it’s a clear rule. It’s clear for teenagers, for families, and for teachers, and we’re moving forward.”
In Australia, recent actions saw social media companies disable approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to children, following a law prohibiting under-16s from using their services. This legislation has ignited significant discussions in Australia concerning technology use, privacy, child safety, and mental health, inspiring other nations to contemplate similar initiatives.
