France’s Push for Social Media Age Restrictions

Emmanuel Macron announced a potential ban on social media for children under 15 in France, contingent on European cooperation within a few months. This statement came in the wake of a tragic incident where a 14-year-old student fatally stabbed a school supervisor in Nogent. Macron emphasized the urgency of protecting youth from the detrimental effects of social media, suggesting that if Europe does not establish regulations, France will take unilateral action.

During his visit to Nogent, Education Minister Elisabeth Borne highlighted the need for measures to prevent such tragedies, mentioning ongoing initiatives in disciplinary procedures, school health, and combating screen addiction. Macron previously called for age verification for minors on social media platforms, identifying this regulation as a European responsibility. The government has initiated a three-month timeline to collaborate with European partners to secure a binding agreement for age verification. If successful, this effort would address concerns about the impact of social networks on youth.

Past initiatives, including a law passed in summer 2023 requiring parental consent for children under 15 to access social media, have not been implemented due to uncertainties regarding compliance with European law. Macron has consistently advocated for stricter regulations, including proposals to restrict phone access for children under 11. Overall, the French government is prioritizing youth safety in the digital space through a collaborative European approach, while preparing to act independently if necessary.

Source: LIBÉRATION