France’s parliament has passed a landmark bill barring children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. Lawmakers in both chambers of France’s parliament voted yesterday in support of the legislation, which also bans students from using mobile phones in schools.

 

The measure will make France the first country in the European Union to approve a blanket ban on social media, as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids. The ban will not cover access to online encyclopaedias, educational or scientific directories. 

 

President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ban as a signature initiative of his second term, called parliament’s approval a major step forward. The French leader has pushed for the ban to come into effect by September, ahead of the new school year. However, a review to determine whether it complies with the French constitution could delay its implementation. A growing number of countries are taking steps to restrict social media access amid multiplying warnings over its harmful effects on children.