France Bans Social Media Use for Those Under 15

The French government is striving to keep teenagers off social media until they turn 15, proposing a national law to the European Union member states in search of a unified solution.

France has urged Poland, set to assume the rotating presidency of the EU Council in January, to take action on this matter.

Speaking on the sidelines of an EU meeting of Education and Youth Ministers on Monday, French Education Minister Anne Genetet told Politico: “We should follow Australia’s example, which has proposed banning social media for children under 16.”

This call comes amidst growing concern among European policymakers regarding the addictive nature of social media platforms and their role in mental health crises among teenagers.

These concerns could shape the next phase of the EU’s regulatory campaign targeting big tech companies.

Genetet emphasized: “We hope to see something very similar implemented and enforced across Europe.” She added that the issue is “urgent.”

France had previously attempted such measures but faced pushback from then-EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton, who argued that French regulations conflicted with EU content moderation rules, the Digital Services Act (DSA), and the single market framework.

However, the political tide may now be shifting. France is no longer the only country proposing to raise the minimum age for social media use.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also called for setting the minimum age for social media use at 15. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced an EU-wide investigation into the effects of social media on young people’s mental health.

Genetet clarified that Paris seeks a Europe-wide technical solution, under bilateral service agreements, to complement French legislation.

The initiative to set a minimum age for social media use is part of a broader strategy focusing on children and their screen time.

Genetet identified four critical age thresholds for children’s screen exposure: before the age of three, children should not be exposed to screens. Between ages three and six, their screen time should be strictly supervised by parents.

Children should not use mobile phones before the age of 11, and they should not access social media platforms before the age of 15.