French Commission Urges Social Media Ban for Kids Under 15 to Protect Mental Health

Paris, France – A French parliamentary commission investigating the psychological impacts of TikTok has recommended a ban on social media use for children under 15. The report, published on Thursday, also suggests introducing a digital curfew for teenagers aged 15 to 18.

Key Findings of the Parliamentary Commission

The commission was tasked with examining how platforms like TikTok affect young people’s mental health, social development, and wellbeing. Their findings indicate that early exposure to social media can negatively influence children’s psychological health.

Recommendations

• Strict Age Limit: Prevent users under 15 from accessing social media sites.
• Digital Curfew: Limit social network access for teenagers aged 15 to 18 during certain hours, especially at night, to encourage healthier sleeping habits and reduce screen time before bedtime.
• Parental and Child Education: Improve education on responsible social media use.
• Stricter Age Verification: Encourage social media companies to enforce stronger measures to prevent underage access.

Mental Health Concerns

The report highlights concerns over the addictive nature of social media platforms and their impact on youth mental health, including issues such as:

1. Anxiety
2. Depression
3. Disrupted sleep patterns

It emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to protect younger users who may be more vulnerable to these risks.

Expert Opinions and Future Actions

Experts from the commission believe that these measures could help reduce the psychological strain on young people and foster healthier digital habits. They also called for further research to continuously assess the effects of social media on youth.

The French government is expected to review the commission’s recommendations and consider legislative changes to implement these safety measures.

Broader Context

Social media platforms have faced growing scrutiny worldwide over their role in shaping young people’s mental health. This report adds to the broader European discussion about finding the right balance between digital innovation and protecting vulnerable users.

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