After Australia, France is Also Planning to Ban Social Media

France plans to ban children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms starting with the 2026 academic year, according to a report cited by The Guardian. A draft bill is expected to be submitted for legal review and debated in parliament during early 2026.

The proposal follows Australia, which introduced a world-first ban on social media platforms for children under 16 in December. French President Emmanuel Macron has said in recent weeks that France should quickly adopt similar measures. The planned restrictions would apply to platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.

Mobile Phone Ban for Schools

French outlets Le Monde and France Info reported that the draft bill includes two main measures. The first would ban social media use for children under 15. The second would prohibit mobile phones in high schools for students aged 15 to 18. Mobile phones are already banned in primary and middle schools.

The bill will be submitted to France’s Conseil d’Etat for legal review in the coming days. Education unions are also expected to examine the proposed ban on mobile phones in high schools. The government aims for the social media restrictions to take effect from September 2026.

Reason Behind The Ban

According to Le Monde, the draft bill cites the risks associated with excessive screen use by teenagers. These include exposure to inappropriate content, online bullying, and disrupted sleep patterns. The text states that the measures are intended to protect future generations from risks that could undermine their ability to thrive and live together in a society with shared values.

Earlier this month, Macron confirmed during a public debate in Saint-Malo that he supports banning social media for young teenagers. He said a consensus is emerging on the issue following Australia’s decision.

Macron argued that increased screen time is linked to declining school performance and rising mental health problems. He compared unrestricted access to social media to allowing a child to drive a Formula One car before learning basic road rules, saying his goal was not for children to succeed in such an environment, but to protect them until they are properly prepared.