Verifying the age of a child social media user continues to be a thorny problem for lawmakers across Europe [File]
\| Photo Credit: Reuters

France on Monday (July 20, 2026) approved a bill that can enforce a social media ban for children under 15. In addition to restricting children’s use of social media, the ​bill also bans smartphone use in high ​schools.

The text, which was approved by a reconciliation committee of France’s Parliament, is set to be discussed on Tuesday, before being taken to the Senate. If passed, the law is expected to be enforced around the time when the new academic year begins in September. Meanwhile, France’s Information Technology minister Clara Chappaz is expected to make a list of platforms to be banned for minors in the country, per a Reuters report.

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly advocated banning social media and reducing screen time among minors and students. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also voiced support for limiting the bloc’s children from accessing social media.

Australia is considered a pioneer in implementing a social media ban for the under-16s of its country since December. However, there were concerns that children were continuing to access social media platforms by bypassing the age verification checks.

Verifying the age of a child social media user continues to be a thorny problem for lawmakers across Europe, as social media ban supporters clash with critics over digital privacy concerns.

Published - July 21, 2026 02:46 pm IST