Overview
- The proposal would block users under 15 from platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat starting 1 September 2026 if it becomes law.
- Arcom, the national media regulator, is designated to oversee compliance, while specifics on age verification and platform obligations are still to be detailed.
- The plan extends France’s existing school smartphone restrictions by applying them to upper-secondary schools in addition to primary and middle schools.
- Officials cite public-health concerns including addiction, cyberbullying, harmful content and sleep disruption, with the WHO estimating 11% of adolescents struggle to control social-media use.
- France points to Australia’s recent 16-plus threshold as a model, and the effort draws backing from expert bodies and polling, with Germany’s family minister calling for similar rules.