France Becomes First EU Nation to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15

The French Parliament passed a law on July 21, 2026, banning social media access for children under the age of 15. France is the first country in the European Union to implement such a restriction.

The vote in the National Assembly was 279 to 81, following earlier support from the Senate. The legislation is a signature policy of President Emmanuel Macron, who has framed it as a necessary step to protect children from addictive algorithms and harmful content linked to self-harm, eating disorders, and depression.

The ban rolls out in two phases. Starting September 1, 2026, children under 15 will be blocked from creating new social media accounts. Existing accounts will be restricted starting in January 2027. The law will be enforced by Arcom, France's audiovisual and digital communications regulator.

Exceptions apply to educational platforms, online encyclopedias, and scientific directories. The bill also includes a provision banning mobile phones in high schools, also set to take effect at the start of the September school year.

Opposition came from the left-wing party France Unbowed, which raised concerns about online anonymity, the feasibility of enforcement, and the constitutionality of the measure. Legal experts noted that the law's effectiveness depends heavily on age-verification technologies that are still being tested.

The legislation is subject to review by the Constitutional Council before it can take full effect. If upheld, France's approach could influence similar debates in other European countries and beyond.