The French Parliament has passed a law banning children under 15 from using social media and prohibiting mobile phone use in schools. President Emmanuel Macron hopes to implement it before the new school term begins, making France the first country in the European Union to do so.
On 22 July 2026, international news agencies reported that the French Parliament approved a bill banning children under 15 from using social media platforms and passed measures forbidding students from using mobile phones in schools. France is the first EU country to enact such legislation amid concerns over the digital media's impact on the mental health of children and young people.
Anne Léauneff, France’s Digital Minister, said that under this law, children under 15 will not be able to create new social media accounts starting 1 September, while existing accounts must be closed by January 2027. If users under 15 are discovered, their accounts will be shut down. She emphasized that the law will respect users’ personal data protection. However, it will not cover educational websites or online services such as online encyclopedias or academic and scientific databases.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who has championed this law as a key policy in his second term, said the passage of the law is a significant step. He affirmed that France is leading Europe in protecting children and youth from online risks.
Macron stated that he wants the law to take effect by September, before the new school year starts. However, the bill must still undergo review by the Constitutional Council to ensure it complies with the constitution, which could delay its implementation.
Previously, French health authorities warned that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram negatively affect teenagers' mental health, especially girls. Several families in France have filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging that some content on the platform is linked to youth suicides.
Although the left-wing opposition party La France Insoumise opposed the law, citing constitutional concerns, potential impacts on anonymous internet use, and enforcement difficulties, the law has received strong support from child protection groups and many parents.