In a bold move to protect its youth, France is poised to become the next nation to curtail social media access for children under 15. This initiative is part of President Emmanuel Macron’s comprehensive strategy to tackle the dual challenges of digital exposure and rising youth violence.

The Announcement

President Emmanuel Macron, via a direct message on X (formerly Twitter), declared the intention to prohibit social media access for those under 15. Emphasizing the responsibility of platforms to verify users’ age, Macron expressed the urgency of implementing this measure: “Platforms have the ability to verify age. Let’s do it.” The anticipated law aims to come into full effect within the next few months.

Global Context

France’s move mirrors recent actions by other nations such as Australia and aligns with ongoing efforts within the European Union. Macron reiterated that France would not hesitate to act independently if the EU were to delay. This policy is informed by increasing evidence that prolonged social media use detrimentally impacts young people’s mental and physical health.

Tackling Youth Violence

In tandem with regulating digital spaces, the French government is tackling another pressing issue: youth violence. Authorities are responding firmly to a harrowing incident involving the fatal stabbing of a school assistant by a teenage student. This tragic event prompted Macron to introduce immediate bans on the sale of knives to minors, specifying, “A 15-year-old will no longer be able to buy a knife online.”

Immediate Measures

Prime Minister François Bayrou assured that a decree against selling knives to minors is imminent and comprehensive in scope. It will target any potentially weaponizable knife, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the introduction of trial metal detectors in schools is under consideration, aiming to deter similar acts of aggression.

A New Phase in Youth Safety

These dual initiatives aim to fortify France’s approach to safeguarding its youth, focusing on both online exposure and physical security. As the country deals with increasing incidences of teen aggression, these measures mark a proactive phase in Macron’s youth safety strategy.

As stated in Storyboard18, the combined approach of limiting online exposure while restricting access to physical weapons can potentially reshape how nations address youth well-being in the digital age.