France Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 15 Over TikTok Risks
A French parliamentary commission has recommended sweeping restrictions on young people’s use of social media, citing TikTok’s role in exposing children to harmful, addictive, and dangerous content.
Key proposals include
- A ban on social media for children under 15
- An overnight “digital curfew” (22:00–08:00) for 15–18 year olds
- A ban on mobile phones in schools
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A new offence of “digital negligence” for parents who fail to protect their children online
The six-month inquiry was triggered by families accusing TikTok of fueling content linked to suicide and mental distress. Testimonies revealed how teens were deluged with harmful videos that normalized death and self-harm.
TikTok rejected the findings, calling them misleading, but France joins a growing list of countries taking strong measures. Australia has already banned under-16s from social media starting in December, while Denmark and Spain are considering similar laws.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced she is closely watching Australia’s law, with an expert panel to recommend a continent-wide approach by late 2025.
The French inquiry chair has also referred allegations of TikTok “endangering the lives” of users to the Paris public prosecutor.
The debate over social media restrictions must be guided by the principle of the best interests of the child. Safeguarding young people from harmful, addictive, and dangerous content is not about limiting their freedoms but about ensuring their healthy development, mental well-being, and safety.
Any regulatory measure should strike a balance between children’s right to access information and their fundamental right to grow up in an environment that protects their dignity, security, and life.
