Macron Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-15s, Sparking Debate in France and Beyond
Emmanuel Macron has proposed banning children under 15 from using social media, in what could become Europe’s first nationwide restriction of its kind.
The measure, backed by France’s National Assembly, could come into force by September if approved by the Senate. It is part of a broader push to protect young people online, alongside a ban on smartphones in schools.
Macron has defended the move by warning of the impact of social media on children’s mental health, saying:
«Our children’s brains are not for sale.»
However, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions among teenagers, many of whom acknowledge the risks of excessive use but fear being cut off from platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and X.
The plan has also drawn criticism from the United States. Donald Trump and allies have argued that European regulation of major tech companies threatens free speech, raising concerns about growing transatlantic tensions.
Several European countries, including Spain, Germany and Ireland, are considering similar restrictions, while others are exploring stricter online safety laws. The debate has intensified following high-profile cases linking harmful online content to the deaths of teenagers.
Tech companies such as Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and platforms like TikTok remain under increasing scrutiny across Europe, particularly under the EU’s Digital Services Act.
As discussions continue, the proposal highlights a widening divide between Europe’s push for tighter regulation and U.S. concerns over free speech, with potential implications for both digital policy and trade relations.
