• French parliamentary committee urges a complete ban on social media for those under 15.
• Teenagers aged 15-18 face a proposed "digital curfew" from 10 PM to 8 AM.
• The recommendations are based on a six-month inquiry into TikTok's impact on youth mental health.
• Lawmakers criticize TikTok's moderation policies and call for greater digital safety protections.
• Initiatives are aligned with global trends towards stricter youth protections on social media.

A French parliamentary committee has called for children under 15 to be entirely banned from using social media, alongside a proposed nighttime “digital curfew” for those aged 15 to 18. These recommendations were made following extensive hearings from families and stakeholders, reflecting growing concerns regarding mental health among youth influenced by platforms such as TikTok, which were described as "toxic" and "addictive" in a recent report. This inquiry was initiated after lawsuits from families highlighted the detrimental effects of TikTok's content, linking it to cases of self-harm and suicide, according to Bangkok Post, The Jakarta Post, South China Morning Post, and BBC.

The committee, led by Arthur Delaporte, criticized TikTok's algorithm, asserting that it appears to "knowingly expose" children to damaging content. Delaporte plans to file a criminal complaint against TikTok for allegedly endangering its users, with the report detailing that the platform failed to sufficiently moderate harmful material. Laure Miller, the commission's rapporteur, emphasized the need for TikTok to reconsider its methods for protecting young users, further described the platform as a “production line of distress” for youth, as reported by Le Monde and TRT Global.

The committee's allegations and ensuing recommendations align with a global trend toward scrutinizing social media giants. Authorities cite social media's role in exacerbating psychological distress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation among teens. Countries like Australia have already implemented similar bans on minors using social media, receiving support from the French government, which may independently advance its regulations should EU-wide directives fail, according to India Times and BBC.

Witnesses during the inquiry provided emotional testimonies, noting that their children were affected by the nature of content available on TikTok. The report highlights an urgent need for mechanisms to protect minors from harmful online influences, with digital safety experts emphasizing that early exposure can fuel further mental health issues, as articulated in findings shared by South China Morning Post and BBC.