France Becomes First EU Country to Ban Social Media for Children

France has become the first EU country to approve a blanket ban on social media for children under 15. French lawmakers passed the bill in both parliamentary chambers, with the measure designed to take effect around the start of the new school year in September. It would prevent under-15s from opening social media accounts, require platforms to close existing accounts by early 2027, and includes restrictions on phone use in high schools. The law also calls for age-verification steps, though enforcement details remain under review.