France to ban social media for under-15 soon, Says French President Macron

The French government is also taking swift steps to address youth violence.

By  Storyboard18Jun 13, 2025 11:39 AM
France to ban social media for under-15 soon, Says French President Macron
France has joined Spain and Greece in backing an EU-wide framework to regulate children’s access to online platforms.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will soon ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, part of a broader push to address growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth and rising violence involving minors.

“I am proposing banning social media for children under 15,” Macron posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening. “Platforms have the ability to verify age. Let’s do it.” He added that the law would come into effect in the “coming months.”

The announcement follows similar action in Australia, which earlier this year banned social media access for those under 16. France has joined Spain and Greece in backing an EU-wide framework to regulate children’s access to online platforms, citing growing evidence that social media usage negatively affects young people's mental and physical health. However, Macron said France would proceed alone if the European Union delays action. “We cannot wait,” he told broadcaster France 2.

The French government is also taking steps to address youth violence in the country. In a separate move, Macron said France will impose an immediate ban on the sale of knives to minors. The measure follows the fatal stabbing of a 31-year-old school assistant by a 14-year-old student during a bag search in Nogent in eastern France, an incident that has deeply shocked the nation.

"A 15-year-old will no longer be able to buy a knife online," Macron declared, adding that the government would enforce “massive financial sanctions and bans” on any violations.

Prime Minister François Bayrou confirmed that the decree banning knife sales to minors will be issued within the next two weeks and will take effect immediately. The list will include “any knife that can be used as a weapon,” he said in a televised interview with TF1. Bayrou also called for a trial run of metal detectors in schools to prevent further violence.

Both initiatives—targeting online exposure and physical weapon access—mark a new phase of Macron’s youth safety strategy as France grapples with issues of teen aggression and digital well-being.

First Published on Jun 13, 2025 11:23 AM

More from Storyboard18

Digital

New NASSCOM forum aims to drive $500 billion India-US trade vision

New NASSCOM forum aims to drive $500 billion India-US trade vision

Digital

US Court blocks “Click‑to‑Cancel” rule; Cancelling Netflix, Prime Video subscription could soon be a hassle

US Court blocks “Click‑to‑Cancel” rule; Cancelling Netflix, Prime Video subscription could soon be a hassle

Digital

Tejas Networks' Q1 loss deepens to Rs 193.87 crore amid revenue decline

Tejas Networks' Q1 loss deepens to Rs 193.87 crore amid revenue decline

Digital

Instagram to make public posts searchable on Google,Bing

Instagram to make public posts searchable on Google,Bing

Digital

No new rules, just clearer language: YouTube updates monetisation guidelines

No new rules, just clearer language: YouTube updates monetisation guidelines

Digital

After YouTube, Meta crackdowns on 'unoriginal content'; removes 10 million fake Facebook profiles

After YouTube, Meta crackdowns on 'unoriginal content'; removes 10 million fake Facebook profiles

Brand Marketing

Microsoft's 2025 layoff ledger: More than 15,000 jobs axed in seven months

Microsoft's 2025 layoff ledger: More than 15,000 jobs axed in seven months

Brand Marketing

Quick-commerce's ad fee toll: Are Zepto, Blinkit, Instamart squeezing out small D2C brands?

Quick-commerce's ad fee toll: Are Zepto, Blinkit, Instamart squeezing out small D2C brands?