France to introduce 'social media ban' for under 15 from September 2026

As a new progressive initiative aimed at the betterment of the country’s youth, France plans to ban social media sites for children under 15 and to prohibit mobile phones in high schools from September 2026, moves that underscore rising public angst over the impact of online harms on minors.

The new proposal aims to curb excessive screen time and shield minors from online risks such as inappropriate content.

As reported by AFP, French president Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly cited social media as a contributing factor to violence among young people.

As per French media outlet Le Monde, an official draft stated, "Many studies and reports now confirm the various risks caused by excessive use of digital screens by adolescents.”

The document added that children with unrestrained access online have been exposed to "inappropriate content" and could suffer from cyber-harassment or experience changes to their sleep patterns, according to the outlet.

The decision came after Australia banned social media for under 16 on December 10, 2026—the world's first law that aimed to restrict access to social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, and X to reduce online security risks for children and the harmful impact of social media on underage users.

The document added that children with unrestrained access online have been exposed to "inappropriate content" and could suffer from cyber-harassment or experience changes to their sleep patterns, according to the outlet.

Earlier this month, France's upper house, the Senate, endorsed an initiative to protect teenagers from excessive screen time and social media.

That plan also demands parental authorization before children between 13 and 16 can register with social media sites.

In addition to that, Macron is aiming for Parliament to debate the proposal in January 2026, with a potential start date of September next year, according to the local outlet.

Furthermore, Malaysia will also require social media platforms to ban users under 16 with mandatory age verification starting from January 1, 2025.