Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleSummer WoolleyWednesday 22 July 2026 14:36 BSTHow will the UK’s under-16s social media ban work?France has become the first country in the European Union to approve a blanket ban on social media for children under 15.French lawmakers adopted the bill, which also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools, citing growing concerns over the harmful effects of digital content on young people.The legislation, one of the final major measures under Emmanuel Macron’s presidency, aims to protect children from issues such as reduced self-esteem and exposure to risky behaviours.While intended to take effect in September, its implementation may be delayed by a constitutional review, and some lawmakers opposed it over concerns about constitutionality and enforceability.Challenges remain regarding age verification for new accounts and managing existing accounts for under-15s, given that a significant majority of French teenagers use smartphones daily for internet access and social networks.In fullFrance becomes first EU country to ban social media for under-15sMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in