France Becomes First EU Country to Ban Social Media for Under-15s

Key Points

• The law bans children under 15 from using major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.

• New account creation for under-15s will be blocked from September 1, 2026, and existing accounts will be closed from January 2027.

• Social media platforms must verify users' ages using age-verification tools, including a dedicated app being tested by the European Commission.

• The bill was passed by the National Assembly (279–81) after Senate approval, showing cross-chamber consensus.

• Other countries which have banned social media for teens is as below: