French President Pushes Accelerated Social Media Ban for Young Teens

President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to fast-track legislation banning social media for children under 15. The French government aims for this ban to enter into force in Sept. with the start of the new school year.

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Macron asked his government to initiate an accelerated procedure to ensure the proposed legislation passes through the Senate quickly. He stated, "The brains of our children and our teenagers are not for sale."

He added, "The emotions of our children and our teenagers are not for sale or to be manipulated. Neither by American platforms, nor by Chinese algorithms."

This announcement follows the British government's consideration of banning young teenagers from social media. This is part of tightening laws designed to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.

According to France’s health watchdog, one in two teenagers spends between two and five hours daily on a smartphone. A report published in Dec. indicated 90% of children aged 12 to 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet.

Of those, 58% use their devices for social networks. The report highlighted a range of harmful effects from social network use.

These effects include reduced self-esteem and increased exposure to content linked with risky behaviours, such as self-harm, drug use, and suicide. Several families in France have sued TikTok over teen suicides they say are connected to harmful content.

Macron's office confirmed the announcement was made in a video addressed to lawmaker Laure Miller, who sponsors the bill. The bill will be examined in a public session.

Macron also stated, "We are banning social media for under-15s, and we are going to ban mobile phones in our high schools." He believes this rule is clear for teenagers, families, and teachers.

In Australia, social media companies have revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children. This occurred since the country banned platform use by those under 16.

The Australian law provoked fraught debates about technology use, privacy, child safety, and mental health. It has also prompted other countries to consider similar measures.

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* President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to fast-track a ban on social media for children under 15.

* The ban is targeted for implementation in Sept., aligning with the new school year.

* Macron stated that children's brains and emotions are "not for sale or to be manipulated."

* French health watchdog data shows 90% of 12- to 17-year-olds use smartphones daily for internet access.

* Beyond social media, Macron also announced plans to ban mobile phones in high schools.

Source: AP News