"French Report Calls for Social Media Ban on Under-15s Amid TikTok Safety Concerns"

French Parliamentary Commission Recommends Ban on Social Media for Under-15s Amid TikTok Concerns A six-month parliamentary inquiry in France has concluded that children under 15 should be banned from social media, citing the dangers of short video-sharing platform TikTok. The commission's report, released on [date], also recommends an overnight "digital curfew" for minors aged 15-18. According to the report, TikTok knowingly exposes young users to toxic and addictive content, which can have serious psychological effects. The commission heard testimony from teenagers and families of victims who suffered from cyberbullying, online harassment, and mental health issues linked to their use of the platform. The parliamentary inquiry was chaired by Laure Miller and Arthure Delaporte, who led a six-month investigation into the impact of TikTok on minors. The report's findings are based on evidence gathered from over 100 witnesses, including teenagers, parents, and experts in child psychology and technology. "We must force TikTok to rethink its model," said the commission in its report. "The platform's algorithms prioritize engagement over safety, leading to a culture of competition and comparison that can be devastating for young people." TikTok responded to the report by stating that it categorically denies knowingly exposing children to toxic content. However, critics argue that the platform's lack of transparency and accountability has contributed to its popularity among minors. The French government is now considering implementing the commission's recommendations, which would make France one of the first countries in Europe to ban social media for under-15s. The move has sparked debate about the role of technology companies in protecting children online and the need for stricter regulations on social media platforms. Experts say that the report highlights the urgent need for greater regulation of social media companies. "This report is a wake-up call for policymakers and tech companies to take responsibility for protecting young people online," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a child psychologist at the University of Paris. The commission's recommendations are part of a broader effort to address the growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health. As the use of social media continues to rise among minors, policymakers and experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability from tech companies. In related news, several European countries have already implemented measures to restrict social media use among minors, including Germany, which has introduced a law requiring social media platforms to verify users' ages. The French government is expected to announce its decision on implementing the commission's recommendations in the coming weeks. If adopted, the ban would be a significant step towards protecting young people from the potential dangers of social media. This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC Technology.