French lawmakers on Tuesday adopted a bill banning children under 15 from using social media, making France the first country in the European Union to approve a blanket ban on the platforms as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids.
Both chambers of the Parliament voted in favor of the measure, a flagship initiative of French president Emmanuel Macron’s second term. The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools.
Several families in France have sued TikTok over teen suicides they say are linked to harmful content. Children’s advocates and parents applauded the vote.
“We’ve been campaigning for this bill from the start because, frankly, we have no other option, no other way to counter tech giants,” said Gaëlle Berbonde, a 52-year-old who lives in the Paris region. “The only thing we can do is protect our children, just as we protect our children from drinking alcohol.”
Berbonde told The Associated Press that her daughter was in seventh grade when she got her first smartphone. A parental control app helped monitor what she did online, but Berbonde had no idea what TikTok really was. After a few months, the family realized that the daughter was cutting herself and was suffering from anorexia and depression. She spent a year and a half in hospital but is now 16 and well.
Macron wants the ban in place for the new school year
The legislation is one of the final major measures adopted under Macron’s presidency before he leaves office next year. Macron wants the law to take effect at the start of the new school year in September. However, a review to determine whether the bill complies with the French Constitution is likely to take place and could delay its implementation.
The ban won’t cover online encyclopedias, educational or scientific directories.
Lawmakers from the left-wing party France Unbowed opposed the bill, arguing that its constitutionality is unclear, that it would effectively end online anonymity, and that it would be impossible to enforce.
Ines Legendre, a legal advisor for the online protection group e-Enfance said the law will not immediately translate into an outright ban.
“We’ll also have to address the issue of existing accounts for those under 15. How do we identify them? How do we suspend them? And then there’s the question of age verification for all new accounts that will come into effect,” she said.
According to France’s health watchdog, one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours a day on a smartphone. In a report published in December, it said that some 90% of children between 12 and 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet, with 58% of them using their devices for social networks.
The report highlighted a range of harmful effects stemming from the use of social networks, including reduced self-esteem and increased exposure to content associated with risky behaviors such as self-harm, drug use and suicide.
After the European Commission found that the latest version of the bill overlapped with the EU’s Digital Services Act, which sets strict rules aimed at keeping internet users safe online, lawmakers held final negotiations Monday. They reached an agreement on an amended version of the legislation, which was then submitted to both chambers for a final vote.
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Catherine Gashka and Alex Turnbull in Paris contributed to this report.
On Tuesday, French lawmakers made headlines by approving a bill that effectively bans children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, positioning France as the first country in the European Union to implement such a comprehensive restriction. This legislative move is a significant part of President Emmanuel Macron’s agenda during his second term, reflecting the growing global concern regarding the detrimental impacts of digital content on young individuals.
The bill received unanimous support from both houses of Parliament, marking a pivotal moment in France’s approach to online safety for minors. In addition to the prohibition of social media for younger children, the legislation also restricts the use of mobile phones in high schools, aiming to mitigate distractions and potential negative influences during educational hours.
The decision to pursue this legislative action has been partly fueled by the tragic experiences of families who have faced the consequences of harmful online content. Notably, several families have filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging that the app played a role in teen suicides linked to its content. Advocates for children and parents alike have voiced their support for the newly passed bill, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures against the pervasive influence of social media.
Gaëlle Berbonde, a parent from the Paris region, expressed her relief and support for the bill, stating, “We’ve been campaigning for this bill from the start because, frankly, we have no other option, no other way to counter tech giants.” She shared a personal story about her daughter, who developed serious mental health issues after being exposed to harmful content online. Berbonde’s experience underscores the real-life implications of social media exposure on young people’s mental health.
Macron’s intention is to have the law implemented by the beginning of the new school year in September. However, the bill will undergo a constitutional review, which could potentially delay its enforcement. Notably, the legislation will not apply to educational or scientific resources, allowing access to online encyclopedias and similar platforms.
Opposition to the bill has emerged from the left-wing party France Unbowed, which questions the constitutionality of the new law. Critics argue that the bill could infringe on online anonymity and may be difficult to enforce effectively. Ines Legendre, a legal advisor for the online protection organization e-Enfance, highlighted the challenges that lie ahead in implementing the ban. She raised concerns about how to manage existing accounts of users under 15 and the mechanisms needed for age verification of new accounts.
Statistics from France’s health watchdog reveal that a staggering one in two teenagers spends between two to five hours daily on their smartphones. A report published in December indicated that around 90% of children aged 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet, with 58% using them for social media. This excessive screen time is associated with numerous negative outcomes, including diminished self-esteem and increased exposure to risky behaviors, such as self-harm, drug use, and suicidal ideation.
The recent developments come on the heels of a review by the European Commission, which found that the bill aligns with the EU’s Digital Services Act. This act enforces strict guidelines aimed at safeguarding internet users. Following negotiations, an amended version of the bill was finalized and presented to lawmakers for a decisive vote, culminating in the recent approval.
While the bill represents a significant step toward protecting children from the potential harms of social media, it also raises important questions about online safety, privacy, and the balance between regulation and freedom of expression. The French government’s proactive stance could serve as a model for other nations grappling with the complexities of digital age challenges, emphasizing the need for enhanced protections for vulnerable populations like children.
In conclusion, France’s new legislation banning social media use for children under 15 marks a landmark decision amid increasing concerns about the mental health effects of digital content on youth. The measure reflects a growing recognition of the need for protective frameworks to safeguard children in an increasingly digital world. As the bill moves through constitutional review and potential implementation, it will be closely watched as a case study in regulating technology and protecting minors in the social media landscape.
