French children under the age of 15 are set to be prohibited from using social media as France becomes the initial country in the European Union to enforce this restriction. Both chambers of the French parliament have approved the measure, with President Emmanuel Macron pushing for its implementation before the upcoming school year.
The decision to implement a comprehensive ban comes amidst global concerns regarding the negative impacts of digital content on children. This move represents a key policy of Macron’s second term. Additionally, under the new regulations, youngsters will also be barred from using their mobile phones in high schools, as reported by The Express. The decision has garnered praise from children’s advocates and parents.
“We have advocated for this legislation since the beginning because, frankly, we have no alternative, no other means to counter the influence of tech giants,” stated Gaëlle Berbonde, a 52-year-old resident of the Paris region. She emphasized the necessity to protect children from online risks, likening it to safeguarding them from alcohol consumption.
In a video shared on social media, Macron commended France for taking the lead in Europe in safeguarding children and adolescents, describing it as a significant advancement. He expressed gratitude to the parliament members for endorsing the legislation. Macron mentioned that the Constitutional Council will assess the measure before taking further steps to implement it, emphasizing the importance of protecting children online.
The UK is also planning to implement a similar ban for under-16s on social media platforms, with expectations for the law to be enforced by next spring. The groundbreaking decision by the government, announced in June, aims to establish a new standard for future generations and promote a cultural shift to ensure every child receives an optimal start in life. The ban will target popular social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and others, excluding messaging apps like WhatsApp.