Paris, July 22, 2026 – The Europe Today: French lawmakers on Tuesday approved legislation banning children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen online child protection.
The bill became law after securing approval from both chambers of the French Parliament—the Senate and the National Assembly—according to media reports.
The French government hailed the legislation as a landmark measure aimed at creating a safer digital environment for young people.
Commenting on the development, France’s Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff said the country would become the first in Europe to introduce a minimum digital age to better protect children online.
The new law places France among a growing number of countries that have adopted restrictions on children’s access to social media in response to increasing concerns over online safety, harmful content, cyberbullying, and the impact of excessive social media use on young users.
According to reports, the restrictions are expected to come into force by the beginning of the new school year in September, following the completion of the necessary implementation procedures.
French authorities say the measure is intended to enhance child safety in the digital space while promoting a healthier online environment for minors.
