France proposes social media ban for under-15s, high school phone ban

France is preparing to debate landmark legislation that would impose a social media ban for children under the age of 15 and extend a nationwide prohibition on cellphone use to high schools. The French Council of State is scheduled to review the proposed bill on January 8, with the measures potentially taking effect at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Extending Existing Educational Restrictions

The move would significantly expand France's existing legal framework on phone use in education. Since 2018, the use of mobile phones has been banned in nursery, primary, and middle schools under a law championed by President Emmanuel Macron's government. The new bill aims to close the gap by including all high schools, completing a blanket ban across the entire compulsory education system. Enforcement of the current law has been challenging in some schools, a reality officials will need to address with the expanded policy.

Addressing Youth Mental Health and Academic Concerns

The proposed social media restriction for minors is framed as a direct response to growing public and scientific concern. According to government sources cited in French media, the bill has been carefully drafted to ensure compliance with European Union regulations, a hurdle that scuttled a previous legislative attempt. President Macron first announced his intention to pursue these bans in November, citing the documented risks social media poses to adolescent mental health and the pervasive distraction phones cause in learning environments.

A Global Debate on Technology and Childhood

France's initiative places it at the forefront of a global regulatory debate about protecting children in the digital age. While few nations have enacted such broad access bans, many are grappling with similar issues of online safety, screen time, and classroom distraction. The French model, if enacted, will be closely watched by other governments and educators worldwide. The outcome could influence policy discussions in other nations, including Türkiye, where debates about healthy technology use, educational focus, and family values also resonate strongly.