France approves social media ban for children under 15

France’s Parliament has approved legislation preventing children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms. The measure was approved by French lawmakers on 21 July 2026 following agreement between the National Assembly and the Senate. It is intended to take effect from 1 September 2026, at the beginning of the new school year.

Under the legislation, social media platforms will be required to prevent children under 15 from opening accounts. Platforms will also be given four months to identify and close existing accounts belonging to children below the minimum age. Age-verification systems used to enforce the restriction will require approval from France’s data protection authority.

Which services are covered?

The legislation applies to online social networks that allow users to interact publicly, distribute content or participate in online communities. French parliamentary documents identify services including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat as examples of platforms falling within the proposed definition.

The restriction does not apply to certain online encyclopaedias, educational or scientific directories, or platforms used to develop and share open-source software. The precise treatment of services that combine social networking with functions such as video viewing or private messaging will depend on how the legislation is implemented and interpreted by regulators.

Why has France introduced the restriction?

The legislation forms part of wider French efforts to protect children from risks associated with social media use. Supporters have raised concerns about cyberbullying, exposure to harmful material, excessive screen use and the possible effects of social media on young people’s sleep, self-esteem and mental wellbeing.

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly supported establishing 15 as the minimum age for social media access and has presented the policy as part of efforts to reduce children’s exposure to harmful online content.

Mobile phones in schools

The legislation also extends restrictions on mobile phone use to French high schools. France already limits phone use in primary and middle schools. The new measure would apply restrictions more widely to older pupils.

Questions over enforcement

The law’s effectiveness will depend heavily on whether platforms can reliably verify users’ ages without creating disproportionate privacy risks.

Critics have questioned how age checks will operate in practice, whether children may find ways around them and how the measure will interact with European Union rules governing online platforms.

The European Commission has been examining the legislation’s compatibility with EU law, while constitutional review could also affect the timetable for implementation.

France is the first European Union country to approve a national social media restriction of this breadth for children under 15, although several other European countries are considering similar measures.

Sources: French National Assembly; French Senate; Reuters; Associated Press.

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