French President Emmanuel Macron has instructed his government to accelerate parliamentary consideration of a package of measures that would bar children under the age of 15 from using social media and prohibit the use of mobile phones in public high schools. The initiative is intended to be adopted in time for the 2026–27 school year, beginning in September, and must be approved first by the National Assembly and then by the Senate.
Macron presented the proposals in a short video message in which he said that social media platforms and their recommendation systems influence young people and that clearer rules are needed to protect children. He said that both families and schools should have straightforward guidance on digital device use and that the government is seeking to curtail what he described as manipulative algorithms that encourage prolonged engagement by minors. The announcement reflects a broader policy focus in France and elsewhere on reducing potential risks associated with extensive screen time and unfiltered access to online platforms.
Under the draft legislation, social media companies would be required to implement robust age verification processes and block access for users under 15. The proposal also includes a nationwide ban on the use of mobile phones in high schools during school hours. Similar restrictions have already been adopted by some individual schools in France and other countries, where administrators have prohibited phone use in classrooms and common areas to reduce distraction and encourage focus on learning activities.
Supporters of the measures, including several lawmakers and child welfare organisations, argue that mandatory age limits and phone restrictions will help address issues linked to excessive social network use among adolescents. Reports by French public health agencies have shown that a high proportion of teenagers use smartphones daily and that frequent engagement with social media has been associated in some studies with reduced self-esteem and exposure to harmful content. Advocates of the legislation say age verification and limits on device use during school hours are tools that could foster healthier digital habits.
Critics of the proposal have raised concerns about practical challenges and effectiveness. Questions have been raised about how online platforms would verify user age accurately without collecting intrusive personal data, and whether minors might circumvent restrictions by using alternative apps or unregulated services. Some education experts have also cautioned that a blanket ban on phones in schools could limit access to digital learning tools that are integrated into contemporary curricula, unless exemptions are clearly defined.
Debate over the legislation is expected to continue in the National Assembly and Senate, where lawmakers may amend the initial proposals before planned votes. The French approach follows a growing international discussion about how best to regulate children’s access to digital services and social media. Governments in several countries have considered or implemented age-based limits, reflecting rising public and political interest in balancing minors’ online safety with access to digital opportunities.