France’s National Assembly just passed a sweeping ban on social media for children under 15, raising alarms about global government overreach that could soon inspire similar restrictions threatening American parental rights and freedoms.
Story Highlights
- National Assembly votes 130-21 to prohibit social media access for minors under 15, with enforcement targeted for September 2026.
- President Macron champions the bill, declaring children’s brains “not for sale” to American and Chinese platforms.
- Follows Australia’s under-16 ban, which revoked 4.7 million accounts, amid rising teen mental health crises linked to heavy screen use.
- Platforms face strict age verification and account deactivation mandates, excluding educational sites.
- Bill heads to Senate for fast-tracked approval, uniting a divided legislature on child protection.
National Assembly Passes Landmark Ban
France’s National Assembly approved the bill overnight on January 26-27, 2026, by a decisive 130-21 vote. The measure prohibits social media access for all children under 15 nationwide. Platforms must implement age verification systems and deactivate non-compliant accounts by December 31, 2026. Enforcement begins September 1, 2026, coinciding with expanded school mobile phone bans to high schools. This marks France as the second nation after Australia to enact such a restriction.
Macron’s Push Against Foreign Tech Influence
President Emmanuel Macron drove the legislation, broadcasting his support over the prior weekend. He stated, “Our children’s brains are not for sale — neither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks. Because their dreams must not be dictated by algorithms.” Macron requested fast-tracking through the Senate in coming weeks. The bill positions France to assert national sovereignty over addictive algorithms amid Macron’s political challenges following parliament dissolution.
Roots in Health Crisis and Precedents
A December 2025 health watchdog report fueled urgency, linking 2-5 daily smartphone hours—used by 90% of 12-17-year-olds, 58% on social media—to reduced self-esteem, self-harm, drug use, and suicide risks. Recent French teen suicide lawsuits against TikTok intensified calls for action. France built on 2018 school phone bans for ages 11-15, now extending nationwide. EU Digital Services Act compliance shapes the framework, excluding encyclopedias and educational platforms.
Australia’s December 2025 under-16 ban, revoking 4.7 million accounts, and November 2025 EU urges for bloc-wide protections set precedents. The UK considers similar measures post-vote.
🇫🇷 French lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban social media use by under-15s, a move championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time.
➡️ https://t.co/OxaTr7DGLS pic.twitter.com/CmKb4QHr23— AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 27, 2026
Impacts and Conservative Concerns
Short-term effects include mass account deactivations and enforcement hurdles, mirroring Australia’s experience. Long-term, it pressures global platforms toward age verification and could spark Europe-wide limits. Affected groups encompass under-15s losing access, families weighing mental health gains against connectivity losses, and tech firms facing compliance costs. Politically, the rare cross-party unity bolsters Macron’s legacy before his 2027 exit.
While protecting youth from screen addiction aligns with family values, conservatives watching from America see red flags in heavy-handed mandates. Government-dictated digital access evokes overreach, potentially paving the way for similar intrusions on parental authority here. Platforms like TikTok face lawsuits and accountability, a step toward reining in Big Tech’s unchecked power over the young.
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French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15
