• France's National Assembly voted 130 to 21 to ban social media for children under 15.
• The legislation is aimed at protecting young users from mental health risks associated with social media.
• If approved by the Senate, France will be the second country to implement such a ban after Australia.
• New accounts will be restricted from September 2026, with existing non-compliant accounts deactivated by December 31, 2026.
• The European Commission supports the measure but emphasizes the need for effective age-verification systems for enforcement.

French lawmakers have approved a bill banning social media use for children under the age of 15, with the National Assembly voting 130 to 21 after an overnight session. This legislative effort, endorsed by President Emmanuel Macron, seeks to limit screen time and safeguard children’s development. The bill now awaits approval from the Senate before it can become law, making France the second country, after Australia, to implement such restrictions on social media, as reported by Channel News Asia, Al Jazeera, and AA.

The legislation aims to mitigate the growing concerns about online bullying and mental health challenges linked to excessive social media usage. Macron emphasized the importance of protecting children from manipulation by online platforms, stating, "The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale," during a recent public address. The implemented regulations are expected to take effect from the start of the 2026 academic year, with existing accounts required to comply by the end of the year, according to Le Monde and India Times.

In addition, the bill expands on existing regulations, including a ban on mobile phones in high schools as part of a broader commitment to combat the negative impacts of digital media on youth. Lawmakers argue that reducing screen time could lead to improvements in children's reading and sleep patterns. The European Commission has indicated that enforcement of the ban will hinge on the establishment of effective age-verification systems, reiterating that major platforms must adhere to national legislation, as mentioned by Channel News Asia and Le Monde.

The proposed age restrictions and the accompanying measures reflect a larger international trend toward protecting children from the adverse effects of social media. Other European countries, including the United Kingdom and Denmark, are examining similar regulations, indicating a growing consciousness of the importance of mental health in relation to digital interaction among minors, according to Al Jazeera and AA.