PARIS / INTERNATIONAL – After Australia sent shockwaves through the tech world by banning social media for minors, France is now officially joining the “Digital Resistance.” The French government has announced plans to implement a sweeping ban on social media for children under the age of 15, aiming to tackle what President Emmanuel Macron describes as a crisis of youth mental health.
The proposed legislation, inspired by Australia’s landmark decision in December 2024, is set to go into effect by the beginning of the September 2026 school year.
A Two-Pronged Attack on Digital Distraction
French officials have revealed that the draft bill, which is currently undergoing legal scrutiny by the Conseil d’État, focuses on two aggressive measures:
- Platform Ban: Children under 15 will be legally restricted from accessing major social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.
- Total Phone Blackout: While mobile phones are already banned in French primary and middle schools, the new law will extend this ban to high schools (students aged 15 to 18).
Why Now?
President Emmanuel Macron has called for “swift legislative action,” warning that unchecked digital exposure is causing irreparable damage to young people’s development. The bill highlights several critical risks:
- Mental Health: Rising rates of anxiety and depression linked to social media use.
- Cyberbullying: The inability of platforms to shield minors from digital harassment.
- Cognitive Decline: Sleep disruption and plummeting attention spans among adolescents.
The Australian Precedent
France’s move follows in the footsteps of Australia, which became the first country to adopt such strict controls by banning social media for children under 16. The global trend suggests a growing consensus among policymakers that “self-regulation” by tech giants has failed to protect the next generation.
Will Pakistan Be Next?
As France prepares to present this bill to Parliament early next year, the move is sparking debates worldwide. In countries like Pakistan, where digital literacy and cyber safety are emerging concerns, the French “Digital Lockdown” model is being watched closely by educators and parents alike.
Karachi Fact Poll: With France and Australia taking the lead, do you think Pakistan should also consider a minimum age for social media use? Share your thoughts in the comments.
