Macron Pushes Social Media Ban for Children
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged students to reduce phone use and read more, proposing a monthly "screen-free day" and a total ban on social media for children under 15.
Several European countries have recently responded to growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on adolescent mental health.
In France, however, there is no consensus. While the lower house of parliament supports a blanket ban, the Senate favours limiting only harmful platforms. Other countries, including Cyprus, are considering similar measures, and the European Union (EU) is preparing an age verification system.
Macron is also advocating a coordinated European approach.
Students have reacted in mixed ways. Some emphasise parental responsibility, while others highlight the benefits of social networks. At the same time, some acknowledge that any ban could be circumvented, for example through virtual private networks (VPNs), as seen in Australia.