French President Macron backs effort to ban kids under 15 from social media
3 hours ago
- French lawmakers reached a compromise on a bill to ban social media for children under 15, aiming for enactment by September.
- The bill was amended after the European Commission found it partly incompatible with EU law; a final vote is set for Tuesday.
- The ban covers all social networking services except for online encyclopedias, educational tools, and open-source platforms.
- French President Emmanuel Macron supports the ban, which could be one of his last major measures before leaving office.
- The bill also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools.
- Concerns over social media's harmful effects on minors, such as reduced self-esteem and risky behavior exposure, drove the legislation.
- Global momentum for age restrictions on social media is growing, with similar moves in Australia, the UK, Turkey, and Indonesia.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for limits, including no screens for children under 3.