France declares war on "digital addiction": a total ban on social media for minors in 2026

France declares war on "digital addiction": a total ban on social media for minors in 2026

The French government is preparing to implement unprecedented regulations in the digital sphere, intending to impose a complete ban on access to social media networks for minors under the age of fifteen, coinciding with the start of the 2026 school year. This initiative is part of a draft law expected to be presented to the French parliament soon, reflecting Paris's desire to curb the negative consequences of teenagers' early and excessive immersion in the virtual world. The new draft law rests on two key articles. The first strictly prohibits providing social media services via digital platforms to any minor under the age of fifteen, effective September 1, 2026. This step is not arbitrary; rather, the government bases its decision on a wealth of reports and scientific studies that have warned of the "escalating risks" of excessive digital use, including exposure to inappropriate content, the rise of cyberbullying, and psychological and physiological disorders such as…