Macron Backs Ban on Social Media for Under-15s as France Prepares Parliamentary Debate

President Emmanuel Macron said he supports restricting children’s access to social media in a New Year’s Eve address, appearing to endorse draft legislation that would ban under-15s from social platforms. The proposal, already advanced by other French politicians, is expected to be debated in Parliament in January and, according to French news outlets, could be implemented by next September.

It would also extend the current ban on mobile phones in primary and middle schools to high schools. The announcement followed recent moves abroad: Australia this month implemented a social media ban for children under 16, and Malaysia has said it plans a similar measure. Lawmakers in Spain, Romania and Denmark have also shown interest in comparable rules.

A poll published in August 2025 found 79 percent of French parents support such a ban. France previously adopted a 2023 law to limit children’s access to social media, but it was not enacted because it conflicted with European legislation. Macron has repeatedly called for a digital age of majority and pushed for restrictions across Europe, warning that social platforms expose young people to cyberbullying, pornography and other risks.

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World, United States, France, Social Media, Children, Legislation, Macron