Legislative Process and Opposition

The legislation was approved behind closed doors by MPs and senators in a joint committee on Monday, while Only the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party opposed the text, while the socialist party abstained. Socialist MP Arthur Delaporte criticized the idea of a “blunt, blanket ban on all social media for minors,” stating that the European Commission advocates for a more complex approach that targets harmful features rather than entire platforms.

Implementation and Constitutional Review

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 bill is one of the final major measures adopted under Macron’s presidency before he leaves office next year.

The European Commission has also been working on similar initiatives, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called for “phased and gradual access for different age ranges” to digital platforms. Under her proposed guidelines. Children under the age of 13 would have time-limited access to social media under the supervision of parents, caregivers, or teachers, From age 13, access would be gradual if platforms can prove they are age-appropriate and safe for teenagers.

Broader European Trend

France is not the only EU country considering restrictions on minors’ access to social media, other countries such as Greece, Slovenia, and Sweden are also planning similar measures. Spain is considering a ban for children under 16, while Austria is targeting children under 14, and these developments suggest a growing European consensus on the need to protect young users from the potential harms of social media.

In addition to age restrictions. The European Commission also advocates a ban on screens for toddlers, highlighting a broader push to regulate digital exposure from an early age, as the French bill is seen as a early step in this evolving regulatory scene.