French lawmakers to vote on social media ban for children

French lawmakers set to vote on a social media ban for under-15s, following Australia's pioneering legislation to protect children's mental health.

French lawmakers on Monday (January 26, 2026) were set to vote on draft legislation to ban social media for under-15s, an effort championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time.

The legislation, which also provides for a ban on mobile phones in high schools, follows Australia's ban on social media for under-16s in December, a world first.

As social media has grown around the world, so has concern that too much screen time is arresting child development and contributing to declining mental health in minors.

"The emotions of our children and teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated, either by American platforms or Chinese algorithms," Mr. Macron said in a video broadcast on Saturday (January 24, 2026).

The French bill proposed by centrist lawmakers will be examined from 4:00 p.m. (1500 GMT) and, barring any surprises, is expected to be given the green light by the lower house, the National Assembly. The legislation would then go to the Senate upper house.

Authorities want to move quickly, with measures to be enforced from the start of the 2026 school year for new accounts.