France is following Australia’s social media age limit to protect children’s mental health. Lets looks at teen experiences, expert insights and what studies reveal about social media’s impact.
France bans social media for under-15.
France’s National Assembly has backed a law to ban children under 15 from accessing social media, a measure President Emmanuel Macron says will protect young minds from addictive and harmful online influences.
Macron said: “The brains of our children and our teenagers are not for sale. The emotions of our children and our teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated …” and stressed that social media’s effects on sleep, attention and self-esteem are serious concerns.
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The bill now moves to the Senate, with lawmakers aiming for enforcement from the start of the 2026-27 school year. France is also extending existing bans on mobile phones in schools, a move officials say supports focus and healthier routines.
Australia, in December 2025, became the first country to ban social media for under-16s, requiring platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube to prevent minors from holding accounts.
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These rules were justified by government data showing high rates of harmful content exposure and bullying, particularly among ages 10-15.
Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged the law’s limits, noting enforcement will be “bumpy” and platforms need effective age verification.
Research shows a mixed picture. Heavy social media use is linked in multiple studies to anxiety, disrupted sleep, lower self-esteem and increased exposure to risky content especially through algorithm-driven feeds.
On the other hand, in teens with limited offline connections, moderate use can support social belonging and creativity. Some Australian teens have said life without social media feels like relief from pressure and comparison, while others feel cut off from social life and peer networks.
Experts and parents are divided. Some supports and while other are still learning and adjusting to it. Supporters argue age limits could reduce addiction, cyberbullying and stress, and encourage offline activity.
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Critics say bans won’t stop teens from finding other ways (fake ages, VPNs or alternate platforms). In fact it could isolate vulnerable young people who rely on online communities.
Polls suggest many parents doubt the bans’ effectiveness, even if they support the idea in principle. What seems clear is that policy alone isn’t enough digital education, active parental guidance and balanced screen habits remain key to supporting healthy teen lifestyles.
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