Macron asks European Commission head to ban social media for children under 15
French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen with a request to prepare a "European legislative act" that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from using social networks, reports DW.
The French Constitutional Council blocked the corresponding national law on August 14. France's highest constitutional oversight body explained its position by stating that this provision violates freedom of expression.
Macron, who is due to leave office after the elections in April 2027, stated that he hopes in the coming months to "find a way forward" with a "revised legislative act" at the national level that will be "in compliance with EU law and the Constitution."
In a letter to von der Leyen, the politician stated that "it is now very important to go further and harmonize this provision with a new European document."
As Reuters reported, the decision of the French Constitutional Council was a blow to the head of state. The President instructed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to prepare a new, "legally impeccable" draft law.
The bill emerged after a December 2025 report by the French health watchdog warned of the harmful effects on children of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Potential risks cited included decreased self-esteem, as well as a possible increase in cases of self-harm, suicides, and drug use.
According to statistics, every second teenager spends two to five hours a day with a smartphone, and 58% use phones to access social media.
The ban initiative gained momentum after Emmanuel Macron made it one of the key points on the domestic agenda in his last year in office.
In December 2025, access to most social media platforms was blocked for individuals under 16 in Australia.
Comments
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