France’s National Assembly has approved a bill banning access to social media for individuals under 15, a move supported by President Emmanuel Macron. The bill, passed with a vote of 116-23, will now go to the Senate for further approval. If enacted, it would prohibit teenagers from using platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok, amidst rising concerns over the adverse effects of social media on children’s mental health.
Macron described the bill as a “huge step,” emphasizing the need to protect children from the exploitation of social media corporations. The law would empower the state media regulator to create a list of harmful social networks and implement age verification systems. A second list of less harmful sites would be accessible only with parental approval.
Additionally, the legislation includes a ban on mobile phones in high schools, while similar restrictions are already in place for middle and junior high schools. The bill is part of a broader European trend, with countries like Denmark and Greece also considering similar measures.
Macron aims to fast-track the bill’s approval before the new school year begins on September 1st, navigating legislative challenges in a politically fragmented landscape. The proposed legislation follows previous efforts that faced legal obstacles due to European law.
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