President Emmanuel Macron of France voiced his support Wednesday for restricting children's access to social media platforms, aligning with a growing international trend to address online abuse. Macron referenced draft legislation during a New Year's Eve speech that would prohibit social media access for those under 15.
The proposed legislation, anticipated for parliamentary debate in January, aims to implement the ban by September, according to French news sources. The plan also seeks to broaden the existing prohibition on mobile phones in primary and middle schools to include high schools.
Macron stated, "We will protect our children and teenagers from social media and screens," signaling his commitment to the initiative.
Australia recently implemented a social media ban for individuals under 16, becoming the first nation to enact such a strict measure. The Malaysian government has also announced intentions to introduce a similar ban this month.
Lawmakers in several European countries, including Spain, have expressed interest in adopting comparable policies. The increasing global focus on social media regulation for minors reflects growing concerns about online safety and potential harm to young users. The French proposal is expected to face scrutiny and debate as it moves through the legislative process.
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