January 26, 2026, 08:54January 26, 2026, 08:54
In France, too, there could soon be a ban on many social networks for children and young people under the age of 15. A corresponding legislative proposal will be debated in the National Assembly in Paris from Monday afternoon.
A social media ban is also being discussed in France.Image: keystone
Specifically, there should be a list of video platforms and social media that younger people cannot access. They should only be allowed to use other sites with parental permission.
Media that could harm the physical, mental or moral development of children because of the content shared there or the system for suggested content should be completely taboo. For the offers that children can use with their parents’ permission, it should be specified exactly what content they can watch there and how long and when during the day they can stay on the platform.
Ban possibly as early as autumn
French head of state Emmanuel Macron wants the regulation to take effect as early as the next school year. “The more screen time increases, the more educational performance declines (…). “The more screen time increases, the more mental health problems increase,” Macron said. A few years ago, France tried to introduce a minimum age of 15 for young people to be able to create their own account on social networks without their parents’ permission. However, the law could not be applied due to the European legal situation.
In Australia, children and young people under the age of 16 have recently been banned from having their own social media accounts on many major platforms. According to the government, more than 4.7 million accounts of children and young people have been deactivated, deleted or restricted since the relevant law came into force on December 10th. In Great Britain, the House of Lords also voted last week for a social media ban up to the age of 16. Ultimately, the decision is made by the lower house, which is dominated by the ruling Labor party. (dab/sda/dpa)
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