Macron’s tough stand on “Social Media” ban: Key reasons behind the move

French President Macron proposes banning social media for under-15s, urging EU action, citing rising youth violence linked to unchecked digital exposure. Read more on Dynamite News

New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that the use of social media for children under the age of 15 may be banned in the country. He has also made it clear that if the European Union (EU) does not take any concrete steps on this issue, France itself will make a strict law.

This statement comes soon after the heartbreaking incident in which a 14-year-old student stabbed a 31-year-old school employee to death in a middle school in the city of Nogent in eastern France.

A police officer was also injured in the same attack. After the incident, questions have been raised on the role of social media across the country.

Need to control digital life

President Macron said in a television interview, "We cannot wait any longer. We need to control the digital lives of children. Uncontrolled access to social media platforms is promoting violence among youth."

He said that a complete ban on social media for children under the age of 15 is necessary and European cooperation is needed in this direction. If no policy is made at the European level, France will bring in strict laws at its own level.

Although the direct role of social media in the Nojhon incident has not been proven, the French administration believes that aggressive and violent tendencies are being strengthened through these platforms. Macron also wrote on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), "Platforms have age verification technology; they should use it."

Ban imposed

Before France, Australia took such a step in 2024. Australia has banned the use of platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X for children under the age of 16. This ban has been implemented there through age verification technology. Companies can also be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars (about ₹ 270 crores) for breaking the rules.

Experts believe that early access to social media can have an adverse effect on the mental health and social behavior of children. In such a situation, this effort of a country like France can give a new direction to the global digital policy in the coming times.