Paris: French MPs are expected on Monday to vote in favor of a new law that would block social media for under-15s and ban mobile phones in high schools as part of efforts to better protect children's health.
According to Kuwait News Agency, if passed, the new law would likely come into effect from the new school year in September. The draft legislation to ban social media for under-15s is an effort championed by President Emmanuel Macron to protect children from excessive screen time.
The legislation, which also provides for a ban on mobile phones in high schools, follows Australia banning social media for under-16s in December, marking a world first. As social media has grown globally, there has been increasing concern that too much screen time is hindering child development and contributing to declining mental health in minors.
"The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, either by American platforms or Chinese algorithms," Macron stated in a video broadcast on Saturday. The French bill, proposed by centrist lawmakers, will be examined from 4:00 pm (1500 GMT) and is expected to receive approval from the lower house, the National Assembly. The legislation would then proceed to the Senate upper house.
Authorities aim to implement these measures swiftly, with enforcement planned from the start of the 2026 school year for new accounts.