French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his intention to accelerate the enactment of a national law banning children under 15 from accessing social media. This step has been described as the boldest in Europe yet as part of a global wave of efforts to limit the use of these platforms by minors. Macron said in a video message: 'I have asked the government to launch accelerated procedures so that the process can move forward as quickly as possible,' adding in a sharp tone: 'This is a very clear message... The brains of our children and teenagers are not for sale. Their feelings are not for sale, and they cannot be manipulated, whether by American platforms or Chinese algorithms.' The French president confirmed that the government will work on drafting a law that imposes strict penalties on platforms that allow children under 15 to register, obligating them to implement strict age verification mechanisms. This will be done in coordination with European regulatory bodies. Macron's announcement comes amid growing global concern over the negative impact of social media on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents, especially as studies show a link between excessive use and increased rates of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and cyberbullying. Previously, in January 2023, Macron announced a national plan to protect children online, and in 2024, he voiced his support for a bill that would require platforms to prevent children under 15 from creating accounts without parental consent. In December 2025, the French parliament passed a preliminary law mandating platforms to implement age verification mechanisms, but the latest announcement speeds up the steps toward a complete ban.
