Macron calls for social media ban for under-15s to be fast-tracked - Euronews.com

French lawmakers have voted to ban social media use by children under the age of 15, a move that has been championed by President Emmanuel Macron. The legislation aims to protect children's health by limiting their exposure to excessive screen time. The lower national assembly adopted the bill with a significant majority, passing it by a vote of 130 to 21 during a lengthy overnight session from Monday to Tuesday. If enacted, the law is expected to come into effect in September, coinciding with the new school year. In addition to the social media ban, the legislation also includes a provision to prohibit mobile phones in high schools. This comprehensive approach to regulating technology use among minors follows similar measures taken by other countries, notably Australia, which implemented a ban on social media for individuals under 16 in December 2022. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has indicated that the government will utilize a fast-track procedure to expedite the legislation's passage. Macron has emphasized the importance of protecting children's mental health, stating that "children's brains are not for sale." The proposed ban specifically targets major tech platforms and algorithms, reflecting a broader concern about the impact of social media on young users. The French government's initiative marks a significant step in the ongoing global conversation about the role of technology in children's lives and the responsibilities of social media companies.