The French Parliament has given final approval to a law banning access to social media for minors under 15, making France the first country in Europe to adopt such a measure. The law received the backing of President Emmanuel Macron, who described the approval as a significant step forward in protecting minors.

According to some sources, the law is set to take effect from September 1, 2026. The legislation reportedly also includes a ban on mobile phone use in secondary schools, extending an already existing regulatory framework for French primary and middle schools.

Macron also expressed his intention to promote an international coalition for the protection of young people online, citing the need to address digital platform models operated by US and Chinese companies.

A technical debate has emerged regarding the measure's effectiveness. Ernesto Belisario, a lawyer specializing in new technology law, stressed that enforcing the ban requires rigorous age verification systems in order to be effective, without which the law risks remaining ineffective. Belisario also noted that Italy is becoming aware, perhaps belatedly, of the effects of digital platforms on the psychophysical well-being of young people.

The French law fits into a broader European debate on the relationship between minors and social media, with several member states considering or having already adopted similar age-based restrictions.