French Parliament Passes Bill to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15

In a groundbreaking move, the French parliament has approved a bill that would ban social media for children under 15, with the aim of curbing the negative impact of these platforms on young people. The measure, which also includes a ban on smartphones in high schools, is set to take effect at the beginning of the next school year in September.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal about the detrimental effects of social media on youth, pointing to its role in exacerbating violence among young people. The passage of this bill reflects a growing concern not only in France but across Europe about the influence of social media on children and teenagers.

The bill has sparked a debate about the appropriate age for children to have access to social media and smartphones. Proponents argue that limiting access to these platforms can protect children from harmful content and online bullying, while opponents raise concerns about restricting young people’s freedom of expression and communication.

The move by the French parliament comes at a time when governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate social media and protect children online. The European Union has been exploring ways to set a minimum age for social media use, and France’s decision could set a precedent for other countries to follow suit.

While the ban on social media for children under 15 is a significant step, some critics argue that more comprehensive measures are needed to address the complex issues surrounding social media use among young people. It remains to be seen how the implementation of this bill will unfold and what impact it will have on the digital landscape in France.

Overall, the passage of this bill highlights the ongoing debate about the role of social media in society and the need to balance freedom of expression with the protection of vulnerable populations, such as children and teenagers.

Political Bias Index: Green (Neutral)

References:
1. NDTV: French Lawmakers Vote To Ban Social Media For Under-15s – [https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/french-lawmakers-vote-to-ban-social-media-for-under-15s-10890006]
2. France 24: French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15 – [https://www.france24.com/en/french-lawmakers-approve-bill-banning-social-media-for-children-under-15]
3. RT: France moves to ban social media for minors – [https://www.rt.com/news/631579-france-social-media-ban/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS]

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