France has recently taken such a drastic step which has attracted the attention of the whole world. This country has decided to impose an almost complete ban on social media for children below 15 years of age. This includes platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat. Right now the process of legalizing it is going on. The government intends to implement it from September 1 this year. Till then there are instructions to make all the necessary preparations.
Since this information became public, questions are being raised as to why such a situation occurred, when and how was the ban imposed, and how will it be enforced? Come, let us know in detail.
What does the ban say in France?
The National Assembly of France passed a bill in January 2026, which clearly states that children under 15 years of age will not be given access to social networking platforms. Under this, creating and using social media accounts for children below 15 years of age will be prohibited. This ban will not only apply to Insta and Facebook but to all major platforms.
The formal implementation of the law is still dependent on the final approval from the Senate and the formal process, but the government wants this ban to be fully implemented with the beginning of the new school session from September 1, 2026.
French President Macron.
President Emmanuel Macron himself has said that he wants this rule to be visible on the ground before the new academic year. This bill has received huge support in the French Parliament, the majority in voting was in favor. After these steps, France will become the second country in the world after Australia to impose such a strict age-based ban on social media for teenagers.
Why did such a situation arise?
This debate in France is not just a moral or cultural issue, there is both very solid research and political pressure behind it. France’s public health agency ANSES warned that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram are having a negative impact on the mental health of teenagers, especially girls. Problems are increasing due to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety symptoms, lack of sleep, constant screen time, cyber bullying and exposure to violent, provocative content. Many families have also filed lawsuits blaming TikTok and social media for incidents like suicide.
profound effect on sleep
According to the survey, half of French teenagers spend 2 to 5 hours daily on smartphones. Nearly 90 percent of 12–17-year-olds use smartphones for Internet access daily, and 58 percent of them are using them for social media. The government and MPs argue that children are sleeping less, studying less and getting trapped in the cycle of constant comparison. Things like likes, followers, body image, perfect life are having negative impact in their lives.
France The government and MPs argue that children are sleeping less, studying less and getting trapped in the cycle of constant comparison.
Dependence on algorithms and foreign platforms
President Macron has repeatedly said that the minds and emotions of our children are not for sale to American platforms, nor to Chinese algorithms. In French politics, it is being linked to the question of digital sovereignty and the freedom of mind of the young generation. The government believes that the motive of social media companies is profit, not the welfare of children.
Cyber Bullying, Hate and Extreme Content
In the last few years, many high profile cases related to hate campaigns, bullying and violence have come to light through social media in France. The government’s argument is that 13-14 year old children neither have the experience nor the emotional strength to handle themselves in this pressure and toxic environment. For these reasons, MPs described it as a public health emergency and demanded strict measures.
The target is that from September 2026, whatever new account is created, there should be a strict age check. Photo: AI Picture
How will the ban be enforced?
It is easy to pass the law, the real challenge is how to stop underage children from coming on the platform? France has made arrangements for this at many levels. The target is that from September 2026, whatever new account is created, there should be a strict age check. By the end of 2026, the age of all existing users will have to be verified, otherwise the platform will be considered illegal. Third party agencies will verify the age by looking at the identity card (ID), the real identity will not be shared with the platform. The EU is also testing a common app, which may later become standard across Europe.
Would it be possible to stop it completely?
The government itself admits that it is difficult to impose a 100% ban. Ways like VPN, false date of birth, using parent’s account will remain. But the logic is that without any checks like today, free for all access will stop. For the first time, companies should be made legally accountable for the safety of children.
Who will be responsible?
France has taken the interpretation under the Digital Services Act (DSA) of the European Union that Facebook, TikTok and Snap Chat will be held primarily responsible. They will be forced to deny access to minors. If they do not comply with the law, they could face hefty fines under the DSA, depending on their global annual revenue.
Content categories and less harmful sites
Media regulator ARCOM will create a list of platforms that will be considered harmful. Like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, X etc. There will be an outright ban on these for those below 15 years of age. Some platforms or features that would be considered relatively less harmful may be open to children over 13 with explicit parental permission.
Emmanuel Macron.
phone ban at school level
France had already banned mobile use till middle school (1115 years). With the new bill, restrictions on the use of mobile phones in high schools will also be strengthened, so that the interference of social media inside the class-room can be further reduced.
What’s happening in the world outside France?
France is not alone in this matter. There is a global wave of restrictions on social media for underage children. Australia has banned social media accounts for children under 16 years of age in December 2025. According to the report, about 47 lakh accounts were considered minor and were removed or deactivated. Denmark is also working on a plan to ban social media access for children under 15 years of age.
Austria is also working on an Australia style ban, with the proposed age limit being kept below 14 years. Discussions have also started in Spain and Italy. The Prime Minister of Greece has expressed support for a step like Australia. Germany is also considering different models, no concrete ban yet but strict recommendations. The Netherlands government has issued guidelines that children under 15 years of age should be kept away from platforms like TikTok, even if there is no legal ban yet. The UK government is seriously considering the age limit of 16 years for social media and consultation is going on.
Criticism and debate continue
In France, this step was not accepted unanimously but by majority. Some big protests and questions are also being raised. Leftists and some digital rights activists call this digital paternalism or excessive government protectionism. He says that the problem should be solved by educating children and increasing media literacy, and not by direct ban. Questions of surveillance and data privacy arise regarding face scan, ID scan etc. for age verification.
The ban on Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms for children under 15 in France is not a sudden emotional decision, but the result of long-running debate, research, parental pressure and political will. It is clear that for the first time, France has drawn such a strict line to social media companies and given a message that if they ignore the interests of children, they will now have to face not just appeals and guidelines, but direct law and heavy fines.
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