In a decision destined to lead the way across the continent, the French Parliament has definitively approved the law that prohibits children under 15 from accessing digital platforms. President Emmanuel Macron immediately claimed the importance of the measure, defining it as one conquest of civilization to protect the mental health of new generations.
The final approval came after an intense debate between the Senate and the National Assembly, overcoming the doubts related to compatibility with European Union regulations. The measure also establishes the total ban on the use of mobile phones in high schools. The application will take place gradually: starting from 1st September 2026 immediate stop to the creation of new accountswhile starting from January 1st 2027 they will have to be all already active profiles belonging to children under 15 have been closed.
I’m engaged, I’ve voted for it: the social networks have been banned for 15 years before returning. Merci aux parlementaires. The Conseil constitutionnel de statuer can take action to make this measure concrete and protect our children online. pic.twitter.com/jC79unxX67
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 21, 2026
The responsibilities of the platforms and technical doubts about age verification
Operational management of the ban will fall entirely to technology companies. Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff has made it clear that it will be up to the giants of the sector develop and implement the technical systems necessary to certify the age of members. Hypothesized solutions include digital identity tools such as France Identity or Docapostealready used to limit access to adult portals.
A precise list of services subject to the block will be defined shortly together with the regulator Arcom, while MP Laure Miller has suggested the targeted deactivation of individual functions rather than a total ban for some apps. The law excludes direct sanctions for families and childrenie grants exemptions for online encyclopedias and contents with strictly educational purposes.
The Parliament finally adopted the law on the numerical majority.
As of 1st September 2027, with a progressive start-up starting from 1st January 2027, the social networks were banned for 15 years.
After more demanding work with…
— Anne Le Hénanff (@ALehenanff) July 21, 2026
The international debate and the effect on European and Italian regulations
The measure places France immediately after Australia, which last December had already limited access to networks for under 16s, attracting the attention of countries such as United Kingdom, Spain and Denmark who are trying to integrate similar regulations. In Italy the bipartisan legislative initiative promoted by parliamentarians Lavinia Mennuni and Marianna Madia is still present under parliamentary discussiondespite receiving the full support of the Minister of Education Giuseppe Valditara. However, the transalpine choice continues to divide the scientific community: while many psychologists underline the risks of overexposure to screens, numerous experts suggest that a rigid ban could prove less effective with respect to digital education paths and conscious use of the media.
