France to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15 Starting Next September

Paris, France – The French government is set to implement a new law banning children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms starting next September. This legislative move aims to protect young users from the harmful effects of excessive screen time and social media use.

Objectives of the New Law

The proposal is part of a broader initiative by France to address concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and well-being. Research suggests that prolonged social media use can contribute to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Other negative psychological effects

Key Provisions

The draft law includes several important measures:

1. Social media companies will be required to conduct rigorous age verification to prevent children under 15 from creating accounts or accessing content.
2. Educational programs will be introduced to help children develop healthier digital habits.
3. Schools will receive increased support to teach students about the risks of screen addiction and online misuse.

Expected Benefits

French lawmakers believe these measures will:

• Reduce social and psychological pressures on children in the digital environment
• Encourage more balanced and responsible use of technology among young people

Industry Reactions and Context

While social media companies have yet to formally comment on the proposal, some representatives have raised concerns about:

• The challenges of accurately verifying user age
• The potential impact on freedom of expression

This initiative aligns with efforts by other European countries to strengthen regulations around minors’ access to online platforms, reflecting a growing commitment to protecting children from internet-related dangers.

The draft law is currently under parliamentary review and may be modified before its final approval. The government aims to complete legal processes so the ban can be enforced by September of next year.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story from Questiqa Europe News.

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