France Takes Major Step to Protect Youth: Social Media Ban for Under-15s and Phone Ban in Schools

The French government has taken a significant step to protect young people by announcing new regulations that focus on limiting their exposure to social media and mobile phones. These measures include:

• Banning social media access for children under 15 years old.
• Prohibiting mobile phone use in high schools during school hours.

Key Points of the New Measures

1. Age Restriction on Social Media: The government will work with social media companies to implement age verification systems to ensure children younger than 15 cannot create accounts or use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
2. Mobile Phone Ban in Schools: Starting from the next school year, high schools across France will ban the use of mobile phones during school hours to improve focus and reduce distractions.
3. Support for Digital Education: Alongside restrictions, there will be enhanced digital education programs aimed at teaching young people safe and responsible technology use.

Goals and Expectations

The primary objectives of these policies are to:

• Reduce risks related to cyberbullying, addiction, and harmful content exposure.
• Promote a healthier environment for youth development and learning.
• Encourage more real-world social interactions among children and teenagers.

Reactions and Challenges

While parents and teachers have generally welcomed these initiatives for their positive impact on education and social well-being, some experts have expressed concerns regarding:

• Enforcement issues of the age restrictions and phone ban.
• Privacy concerns about age verification technologies.
• The overall effectiveness of these measures.

Implementation Timeline

The new policies are expected to come into force by late 2026. Prior to implementation, there will be consultations with educators, parents, and technology providers. Additionally, the government will continuously monitor the impact of these measures on students’ well-being and academic performance to guide future actions.

France aims to set an example internationally by addressing the challenges posed by digital technology on youth and hopes its effort will inspire other countries to adopt similar protective regulations.

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