France Approves Social Media Ban for Under-15s Starting in 2027

France’s parliament has approved legislation banning children under the age of 15 from accessing social media, making it the first European country to introduce such a nationwide restriction. The law, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, requires users to verify their age before creating or accessing social media accounts, with the measure aimed at addressing growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on children’s mental health.

The legislation will be introduced in two phases. Beginning in September, children under 15 will be prohibited from opening new social media accounts, while age verification will become mandatory for all new users. From January 2027, the requirement will extend to all existing accounts, meaning everyone in France will need to prove they are at least 15 years old to continue using social media platforms.

The measure was approved by both the French Senate and National Assembly despite opposition from some left-wing lawmakers. Under the law, social media companies will be required to use age-verification systems approved by France’s privacy regulator. The move comes as the United Kingdom and the European Union are also considering stricter online protections for children amid growing concerns about adolescent mental health.