In a bold move to safeguard young digital citizens, France is preparing to implement groundbreaking legislation that would prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms, signaling a significant milestone in protecting adolescent mental health and online safety.

President Emmanuel Macron's government is drafting a comprehensive law that would make it illegal for social media companies to provide services to minors under 15, building upon previous efforts to manage children's digital exposure. The proposed legislation, expected to be submitted for legal review in early January, comes after multiple attempts to establish a robust digital protection framework for young people.

Drawing from numerous studies highlighting the potential risks of excessive screen time, the draft law emphasizes the dangers of unfettered online access, including exposure to inappropriate content and vulnerability to cyberbullying. An IPSOS poll from September revealed overwhelming public support, with 4 in 5 French residents endorsing social network restrictions for children under 14.

The initiative follows global trends, with countries like Australia leading the way in implementing strict age-based social media prohibitions. Australia's recent law, which took effect on December 10, bars anyone under 16 from major platforms and imposes substantial financial penalties for non-compliance. France seems poised to adopt a similar approach, potentially announcing the plans during President Macron's New Year's Eve address.

Previously, France had introduced mobile phone bans in schools, though enforcement remained inconsistent. A 2023 attempt to establish a 'digital legal age' of 15 was initially challenged by European Union regulations, demonstrating the complexity of implementing such protective measures across different jurisdictional frameworks.

The proposed legislation extends beyond social media, aiming to restrict mobile phone use in high schools and requiring robust age verification mechanisms. At the European level, the European Parliament has also urged minimum age restrictions to address rising mental health concerns among adolescents linked to excessive digital engagement.

France is not alone in this endeavor. Malaysia is set to mandate social media platform age verification from January 1, 2026, while Germany is currently studying potential child digital protection strategies. These coordinated international efforts reflect a growing global recognition of the need to balance technological access with youth well-being.

As digital landscapes continue to evolve, France's proactive approach represents a significant step towards creating safer, more responsible online environments for young people, prioritizing their psychological and social development in an increasingly connected world.