**Article:**
The French government is advancing legislation to prohibit social media access for children under the age of 15. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced plans to fast-track the bill, aiming to have it enacted by September. The measure, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, seeks to address concerns about the impact of social media on young users’ mental health and well-being.
The proposed law would require social media platforms to verify the age of users and restrict under-15s from creating accounts. The government argues that this step is necessary to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. The bill is currently under debate in the French parliament, where lawmakers are discussing its potential effects and implementation challenges.
**Why this matters**
This legislation represents one of the first national efforts in Europe to impose an age limit on social media use. It highlights growing global concerns about the influence of digital platforms on children’s development. If passed, France’s approach could set a precedent for other countries considering similar regulations to safeguard young internet users.
Source: NewsData