Macron Pushes for Social Media Ban for Under-15s by September

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to expedite legislation aimed at prohibiting social media use for children under the age of 15. He aims for this ban to take effect by the beginning of the new school year in September 2024. Macron’s push comes in response to growing concerns regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health.

In a video released on Saturday by French broadcaster BFM-TV, Macron stated that he has instructed his government to initiate an accelerated legislative process. He emphasized the urgency of getting the bill approved by the Senate in time for the new academic year. “The brains of our children and our teenagers are not for sale,” he asserted, stressing the need to protect young people from manipulation by social media platforms.

The move follows recent discussions in the United Kingdom, where the government is also considering similar restrictions on social media for teenagers. According to France’s health watchdog, ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety), approximately one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours daily on their smartphones.

The ANSES report published in December revealed that nearly 90% of young people aged 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet, with 58% engaging with social networks. The report highlighted serious concerns, including reduced self-esteem and increased exposure to harmful content related to risky behaviours such as self-harm and substance abuse.

In light of these findings, several French families have lodged complaints against TikTok, alleging that the platform’s content contributed to teenage suicides. Macron’s initiative aims not only to ban social media for minors but also to prohibit mobile phone use in high schools, declaring, “This is a clear rule. Clear for our teenagers, clear for families, clear for teachers, and we are moving forward.”

During the video announcement, Macron referenced the upcoming bill set for examination in a public session on Monday. He described it as a “much simpler text” that aligns with the commitment to ban social networks for those under 15 and to restrict mobile phones in educational settings.

Australia has already implemented measures to address the issue, having revoked access to around 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under the age of 16 since its own ban on social media usage. This legislation has ignited intense debates in Australia regarding technology’s role in children’s lives, privacy, safety, and mental health, prompting other countries to consider similar restrictions.

As the dialogue around social media and youth continues, Macron’s proposal reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard children from potential dangers associated with excessive online engagement.