France is on the verge of implementing a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15. President Emmanuel Macron has called for swift legislative action in response to a global trend of increasing regulations on children’s screen time.

In a video broadcast by BFM-TV on Saturday evening, Macron announced his intention to expedite the legislative process so that the bill can pass through Parliament and receive Senate approval by the start of the new school year in September.

“Our children and teenagers’ minds are not commodities,” Macron stated emphatically. “Their emotions should not be subject to manipulation, whether by American platforms or Chinese algorithms.”

This move by Macron follows closely on the heels of the British government’s announcement of potential similar restrictions. The UK is also focusing on safeguarding children from harmful online content and limiting excessive screen time.

French President Emmanuel Macron is pictured delivering a speech at the Istres military air force base in southern France on January 15, 2026. (Photo by Philippe Magoni/AP Photo)

France’s health watchdog reports that one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours a day on a smartphone. A December report found about 90% of children ages 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet, with 58% using them for social media.

The agency warned of links between heavy social media use and reduced self-esteem, as well as increased exposure to content tied to risky behaviors, including self-harm, drug use and suicide.

France’s health watchdog warned of links between heavy social media use and reduced self-esteem, as well as increased exposure to content tied to risky behaviors, including self-harm, drug use and suicide. (Nimito/Getty Images, File)

Several French families have sued TikTok, alleging the platform exposed teens to harmful content connected to suicides.

Macron’s office told The Associated Press the video message was addressed to lawmaker Laure Miller, who is sponsoring the bill set for public debate Monday.

A December report from France’s health watchdog found about 90% of children ages 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet, with 58% using them for social media. (iStock)

“We are banning social media for under-15s, and we are going to ban mobile phones in our high schools,” Macron said. “I believe this is a clear rule. Clear for our teenagers, clear for families, clear for teachers, and we are moving forward.”

The move would follow Australia’s lead after the country introduced a world-first ban on social media for children under 16 years old in December, restricting access to platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.