FRANCE APPROVES SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR CHILDREN UNDER 15

France's parliament approved a bill on Tuesday banning social media access for children under 15, making France the first European Union country to impose such a restriction. The National Assembly passed the legislation by 279 votes to 81, following earlier approval by the Senate on the same day. The bill also includes a ban on mobile phones in secondary schools, with both measures expected to take effect from the beginning of the next school year. President Emmanuel Macron championed the ban as a flagship reform of his final term in office and pledged to enforce it by September.

Macron stated in a video posted on social media that "France is leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children and teenagers" and described the vote as "a major step forward". He thanked members of parliament for backing the legislation. The ban targets apps such as TikTok, among others. Before implementation, France's Constitutional Council must rule on the bill's constitutionality, Macron said.

The legislation reflects growing international concern over social media's effects on young people. Indonesia has already banned social media for children under 16, and a growing number of countries are taking steps to restrict social media access amid multiplying warnings over its harmful effects on children. The French government expects the ban to become enforceable once the Constitutional Council completes its review.