French President Emmanuel Macron has taken his campaign to protect young people to the European level. In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen dated Aug. 29, Macron urged the EU to adopt a union‑wide ban on social‑media platforms for children under the age of 15.
Why a Europe‑wide rule?
Macron argues that France’s own effort to limit under‑15 access was struck down by the Constitutional Council this summer, leaving a regulatory gap just as the September rollout was set to begin. He says a single EU legislative text would harmonise protection for all children across the bloc and prevent a patchwork of national rules.
International context
The push follows Australia’s landmark decision last year to bar children from social media, and it comes as several European nations debate similar curbs. Scandinavian countries, however, argue that parental choice should remain paramount, warning that blanket bans may overreach.
EU leadership’s stance
In July, von der Leyen signalled the EU’s intent to limit young users’ access, proposing a tiered system where children under 13 would receive limited, supervised access, with restrictions easing as they age. Macron’s proposal seeks a tougher, uniform ban up to age 15, positioning it as a priority ahead of von der Leyen’s upcoming State of the Union address to the European Parliament.
Domestic political backdrop
Now in his final year as France’s president, Macron is using the issue to rally support before the 2027 French presidential election. He pledged to re‑work the struck‑down legislation domestically, though fragmented parliament and tight budget talks could delay a new law.
While the EU debate continues, the conversation underscores growing concerns about the impact of social‑media use on minors’ mental health and safety, and highlights the tension between parental‑rights advocates and policymakers seeking uniform safeguards.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
