In a groundbreaking initiative to safeguard adolescent mental health, France is preparing to implement a comprehensive social media ban for children under 15, following Australia's pioneering legislation.

President Emmanuel Macron has championed this bold approach, drawing a powerful analogy comparing premature social media exposure to a teenager driving a Formula One car without proper training. The draft bill, set to be submitted for legal review in the coming days, aims to protect future generations from the potential psychological risks associated with excessive digital engagement.

Detailed plans reveal two key measures: a complete prohibition on social media platforms for children under 15 and an extension of mobile phone restrictions to high schools. The legislation cites critical concerns including online bullying, inappropriate content exposure, and disrupted sleep patterns that can significantly impact young people's development.

Government officials, including Digital Development Minister Anne Le Hénanff, have emphasized the bill's alignment with European digital regulations and its compatibility with the EU's Digital Services Act. The proposed ban, scheduled to take effect in September 2026, follows similar considerations by countries like Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia, signaling a growing global awareness of digital wellness for youth.

A recent French parliamentary inquiry into TikTok's psychological impact dramatically described the platform as a 'slow poison' for children, highlighting algorithmic mechanisms that trap young users in harmful content bubbles. The platform has pushed back against these claims, arguing it's being unfairly singled out for broader societal challenges.

Macron's initiative reflects a nuanced understanding of technology's impact, prioritizing children's mental health and educational performance. As he poignantly stated, the goal is not to win a digital race, but to ensure young people learn to navigate complex digital landscapes safely and responsibly.

With parliamentary debates expected early next year, this legislation represents a significant step in reimagining how society protects its youngest members in an increasingly digital world.