Paris: French lawmakers approved a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, as concerns grow around ​the world over the impact social media have on the health and safety of minors.

France becomes the first in Europe to follow Australia, where the world’s first ban for under-16s on platforms including Facebook, ​Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube came into force in December.

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube are facing a ban in France as Australia’s social media policies inspires other nations to follow suit.Bloomberg

Both houses of parliament adopted the ban on Tuesday (France time).

French President Emmanuel Macron wants the law to take effect at the start of the new school year.
“France is leading the way in Europe in protecting our children and our teenagers,” he said. “We will keep on going.”