Paris: France plans Australia-style social media ban as the government has prepared draft legislation to restrict access to major platforms for children under the age of 15, with the proposed measures expected to take effect from the 2026 academic year.
The move has followed growing political concern over the impact of excessive screen time, online bullying and harmful digital content on young people. The draft bill has been completed and is set to be submitted to France’s Conseil d’État for legal review before being debated in parliament early next year.
The proposal includes two key measures: a ban on social media platforms for under-15s and a prohibition on mobile phones in high schools, where students aged 15 to 18. Mobile phones have already been banned in primary and middle schools across the country.
President Emmanuel Macron has made it clear that France intends to follow Australia’s world-first restrictions on social media use by children. Australia’s ban, which came into force in December, applies to platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.
French media have reported that the bill cites the risks of excessive screen use by teenagers, highlighting exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying and disrupted sleep patterns. The text states the need to protect future generations from digital harms that threaten mental health and social cohesion.
Macron has previously said there is growing international consensus on the issue, linking increased screen time to declining academic performance and rising mental health problems among young people. Several other countries, including Denmark, Norway and Malaysia, have also indicated plans to introduce similar restrictions in the coming years.
The legislation is expected to be compatible with European law, particularly the Digital Services Act, which aims to combat misinformation, disinformation and harmful online content. Education unions are expected to review the proposed phone ban in high schools as part of the consultation process.
The proposed social media ban forms part of Macron’s broader push to shape his legacy during the final year of his presidency, as France navigates political divisions and ongoing debates over digital regulation. If approved, the measures would mark one of Europe’s most far-reaching attempts to limit children’s access to social media platforms.
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