Written by Alice Njoki
France has become the first country in the European Union to ban social media for children under the age of 15 after Parliament approved a new law on 21 July 2026. The law is part of the country’s efforts to strengthen online safety and protect children from the risks associated with social media.
Under the new law, children under 15 will no longer be allowed to create or use accounts on social media platforms unless they have parental consent where permitted under the rules. Social media companies will be required to introduce stronger age verification systems and remove accounts that do not meet the new requirements. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties.
The legislation was introduced in response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s wellbeing. French authorities say the new rules are intended to reduce children’s exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, online predators, and features designed to keep users scrolling for long periods. The government also hopes the measures will encourage healthier online habits and better protect children’s mental health.
France’s decision adds to a growing global push for stronger online protections for children. Countries such as Australia have already approved a social media ban for children under 16, while the United Kingdom is introducing new measures, including overnight restrictions on certain social media features for teenagers.
The French government says protecting children online has become increasingly important as more young people spend time on digital platforms. By introducing stricter rules, it hopes to create a safer online environment while encouraging technology companies to take greater responsibility for protecting younger users.