Bill passed in France to ban social media use by children under 15

President Emmanuel Macron

Paris (France) – The French Parliament has passed a bill banning children under the age of 15 from using social media. This makes France the first country in the European Union to pass such a law. President Emmanuel Macron has backed the bill and is preparing to bring it into force from September. The United Kingdom, Spain, Greece and Denmark are also preparing to set a minimum age for social media use.

However, it is still unclear how children’s ages will be verified once the law comes into force. Many parents in France have welcomed the decision, while some teenagers have expressed concern that it could affect their access to online educational content and their ability to stay in touch with friends. France’s Education Minister and the human rights organisation Amnesty International have also said that a ban alone is not enough. Children must also be taught how to use the digital world safely.

Editorial Perspective

Social media use is adversely affecting the physical and mental health of adolescents in India as well. Why, then, does the government not impose restrictions on its use ?