France to Enforce Nationwide Social Media Ban for Minors by September 2026

PARIS — The French government has finalized a landmark draft law that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, marking one of Europe’s most far-reaching efforts to regulate minors’ online activity.
The bill, which is expected to be debated in parliament in early 2026, aims for full nationwide enforcement by the start of the 2026–27 school year, according to government officials. If approved, France would become the first major European country to impose a comprehensive, legally binding social media ban for under-15s.
Under the proposed legislation, social media companies would be required to implement strict age-verification systems to prevent access by children below the legal threshold. Platforms that fail to comply could face substantial financial penalties, while parents would be expected to play a central role in supervising digital access.
French authorities say the move is driven by growing concerns over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online addiction. Officials have cited rising rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders among adolescents as key factors behind the proposed restrictions.
President Emmanuel Macron and senior government ministers have repeatedly called for tougher regulation of digital platforms, arguing that existing self-regulation measures by tech companies have proven insufficient. France has also urged the European Union to adopt coordinated rules on age verification and child online safety.
The draft law aligns with a broader global trend. Countries including Australia and several U.S. states are considering or testing stricter limits on minors’ access to social media, while the EU is exploring stronger enforcement mechanisms under its Digital Services Act.
However, the proposal has sparked debate. Digital rights groups have raised concerns about privacy, warning that mandatory age-verification systems could lead to increased data collection. Some education and parenting groups have also questioned whether an outright ban is enforceable or whether it risks pushing children toward unregulated online spaces.
Despite the criticism, the French government maintains that the legislation is necessary to protect children in an increasingly digital world, insisting that safeguarding minors must take precedence over commercial interests.
If passed, the law would give platforms and regulators several months to prepare before enforcement begins in September 2026.