Macron Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-15s and Monthly Screen-Free Day
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a legislative ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, citing concerns that digital platforms rob young people of their attention and hinder their development into responsible citizens. During a visit to high school students in Villers-Cotterets, Macron also proposed a monthly screen-free day to encourage offline activities such as reading and theater. The initiative follows similar measures in Australia, where a recent ban led to increased VPN usage among minors seeking to bypass restrictions. While some students supported the ban due to cyberbullying risks, others argued that parental supervision is more appropriate or that social media offers educational value. Currently, a draft bill is undergoing review in the French parliament, with disagreements between the lower house and senators regarding the scope of the ban. Consequently, the target implementation date of September may be delayed. Macron is also coordinating with other EU leaders to establish a unified European approach to digital safety, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has similarly urged social media companies to prioritize child safety.
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Macron Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-15s and Monthly Screen-Free Day
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a legislative ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, citing concerns that digital platforms rob young people of their attention and hinder their development into responsible citizens. During a visit to high school students in Villers-Cotterets, Macron also proposed a monthly screen-free day to encourage offline activities such as reading and theater. The initiative follows similar measures in Australia, where a recent ban led to increased VPN usage among minors seeking to bypass restrictions. While some students supported the ban due to cyberbullying risks, others argued that parental supervision is more appropriate or that social media offers educational value. Currently, a draft bill is undergoing review in the French parliament, with disagreements between the lower house and senators regarding the scope of the ban. Consequently, the target implementation date of September may be delayed. Macron is also coordinating with other EU leaders to establish a unified European approach to digital safety, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has similarly urged social media companies to prioritize child safety.
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