French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to schoolchildren.Image: keystone
April 16, 2026, 4:08 p.mApril 16, 2026, 4:08 p.m
One day a month offline – that’s what French President Emmanuel Macron wants for children and young people.
On that day you should read, write, play theater, spend time with others and build something together again, Macron told students in Villers-Cotterêts. Macron did not say exactly how such a day would be implemented. The plan is for the day to be anchored in an educational context, but then ideally to be continued at home.
The French head of state said that attention is being stolen from children and young people through social media. You get more and more used to being in front of a screen. Reading a book, watching a film or even being patient with others is becoming more difficult. The dwindling attention is also accompanied by a problem of loneliness.
Macron reiterated that he wants to ban social media for children and young people under 15. A corresponding law is already being worked on in parliament and, according to Macron’s wishes, should come into effect for the new school year. Later in the afternoon, the French President also wanted to discuss the topic of social media bans with several European heads of state and government. (nil/sda/dpa)