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By Euronews
Published on •Updated
French lawmakers have adopted a bill banning children under 15 from using social media, making France the first country in the European Union to approve a blanket ban on platforms as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids.
Both chambers of the Parliament voted Tuesday in favor of the measure, a flagship initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron’s second term. The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools.
The legislation is one of the final major measures adopted under his presidency before he leaves office next year. Macron wants the law to take effect at the start of the new school year in September. However, a review to determine whether the bill complies with the French Constitution is likely to take place and could delay its implementation.
The compromise text was approved behind closed doors by MPs and senators in a joint committee on Monday. Only the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) opposed the text, while socialists abstained.
“Do we decide to impose a blunt, blanket ban on all social media for minors, or do we instead decide – as the European Commission is actually advocating – to ban only the harmful features of social media? We’re more aligned with the latter position”, socialist MP Arthur Delaporte said.
Other EU countries such as Greece, Slovenia and Sweden are planning to restrict minors’ access to social media: Spain considers banning social media for children under 16 and Austria for children under 14.
In parallel, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called earlier this month for “phased and gradual access for different age ranges” to digital platforms.
Children under the age of 13 would have time-limited access to social media under the supervision of parents, caregivers or teachers. From the age of 13 on, there would be gradual access provided platforms can prove they are age-appropriate and safe for teenagers.
In addition, the European Commission advocates a ban on screens for toddlers.
Von der Leyen said the European Commission would present a proposal on the matter “after summer”.
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