France's National Assembly has taken a landmark step to protect children from the dangers of social media by voting to prohibit minors under 15 from accessing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. The bill, which passed with strong bipartisan support, also requires parental consent for 15- to 17-year-olds and mandates robust age-verification systems. This legislation represents one of the toughest national restrictions on social media for minors worldwide and reflects growing conservative concern over screen addiction, mental health issues, and online exploitation.

The French parliament approved the legislation on January 27, 2026, sending it to the Senate for final review. Children under 15 would be completely barred from social media access, even with parental permission. Teenagers aged 15 to 17 would need explicit, verifiable parental consent to use these platforms. Key provisions include mandatory digital ID checks or parental authorization tools, heavy fines up to two percent of global revenue for noncompliance, and government-supported monitoring tools for parents. Exceptions are limited to educational or professional platforms deemed essential.

France has seen increasing concern over social media’s links to anxiety, depression, body-image disorders, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content among young users. Studies cited in the debate indicate French teens spend three to four hours daily on social media, often reporting negative mental health impacts.

France now joins a small group of nations, including Australia and several U.S. states, in implementing strict age-verification or access restrictions, with its complete ban for children under 15 among the most rigorous globally.