“We should prohibit social media for minors under 15 years old.” This bold statement came from French President Emmanuel Macron during a televised address. This proposed measure could be a pioneering initiative in Europe , which is currently evaluating various regulations in this sphere. However, France’s regulatory approach has led to some negative consequences for both companies and users.
What Happened. Macron’s remarks followed a tragic incident at a French school where a 14-year-old boy fatally stabbed a staff member. According to a report by Le Monde, it remains unclear if the attack was influenced by anything the adolescent saw on social media. This event has catalyzed a debate around the impact of social media on youth behavior.
No Knives Allowed. Macron’s strategy is to implement a prohibition on social media access for those under 15 years “within the coming months,” unless Europe takes similar regulatory action. In response to the school tragedy in Haute-Marne , he stated that “a 15-year-old should not be able to purchase a knife online. This means we will impose prohibitions and substantial financial penalties.”
And No Social Media Either. Most notably, Macron emphasized the intention to ban social media access, which he publicly announced on X (formerly Twitter). He indicated that platforms should be able to verify the ages of their users to facilitate such controls. This sentiment is not new; Macron expressed similar thoughts over a year ago, but recent events and European inaction have reinvigorated his stance.
They’re Already Doing It With Pornography. Recently, on June 7, France enacted a law requiring pornographic platforms to verify user ages to prevent minors from accessing such content.
But It’s Not Working Well. As a consequence of these measures, popular sites like Pornhub , RedTube , and YouPorn have opted to cease operations in France, citing inefficacy and potential privacy violations. They advocate for a solution dependent on user devices, having recommended that Google and Apple modify their operating systems to support age verification.
The Struggle of Minors and Screens. France took a pioneering step in 2018 when it banned mobile phones in schools for students under 15. Various countries followed suit, yet France remains concerned about the dangers of screens for young people. Recently, initiatives have started aimed at banning all screen usage for children under six years old, including TVs and computers. Experts in pediatrics warn that exposure can lead to permanent damage in brain development.
Spain Mirrors France’s Steps. In Spain, the upcoming Child Protection Law advocates for prohibiting the registration of minors on social media platforms until they are 16 years old, raising the previous age limit by two years. There are additional provisions aimed at restricting technology access based on age — for instance, children from zero to three should be prohibited from screen use, while those aged three to six should generally avoid screens unless under adult supervision.
The Spanish “Pajaporte”. The Spanish Government launched the Digital Beta Wallet , popularly known as “pajaporte,” last year. This app aims to facilitate age verification and prevent minors from accessing pornographic content. However, its implementation has been limited, and platforms that have adopted it have reported a significant drop in user traffic.
Europe Begins to Act. The European Union has proposed a new regulation, spearheaded by Greece and supported by France and Spain, aiming to significantly limit social media access for minors. According to the proposal, minors might lose direct access to platforms like TikTok and Instagram , requiring parental permission for access. Denmark, which is set to take over the EU presidency for the next six months, supports these initiatives.
As the landscape of technology and social media continues to evolve, the measures being taken by countries like France and Spain reflect a growing concern over minors’ safety online. While the intentions behind these regulations are commendable, the practical implications beg for a balanced approach that considers both safety and user experience.