On January 26, 2026, France’s National Assembly voted to advance a bill that would ban access to social media platforms for users 15 and under. The vote passed with 150 in favor, 21 opposed, and 76 majority votes, allowing the bill to move forward to the French Senate and lower house. The bill aims to protect children from harmful effects of social media, including cyberbullying, addictive algorithms, and mental health issues. If fully initiated, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, would require to block users under 15, enforcing age verifications systems.
French President Emmanuel Macron fully supports the measure, insisting his government places the ban before the beginning of the school year in September. President Macron shared on a PBS interview, “Because our children’s brains are not for sale – neither to American platforms nor to Chinese networks. Because their dreams must not be dictated by algorithms”
The news sparked mixed reactions; supporters believe the ban reduces early exposure to online harassment and inappropriate content while others think the ban unnecessary. According to Economic Times, an 11 year old student, expresses her experience about social media’s effects, Aya shares “Social media makes some kids crazy, they stop doing anything else. And there are disgusting things on TikTok, it’s not appropriate for kids” However, Aya also points out, “at the same time, it’s important in an emergency. I use WhatsApp to talk to my parents. They’re not going to ban WhatsApp, are they?” Explaining that although social media platforms hold harmful sites, they benefit users by creating ways of communication and safety.
As other countries gain influence by the decisions of Australia, the negative effects of social media still remain. Junior at Sierra Vista High School Presley Hartstorm agrees, believing removing teenagers’ access to social media does not reduce the risks of seeing the same online occurrences in the future.
