France's Bold Move: Should Kids Under 15 Be Banned From Social Media?
France is making waves with a new plan to keep kids under 15 off social media.
This isn't just a random idea; it's part of a bigger trend happening around the world. The French government is serious about this and wants the ban ready by September, right when the new school year starts.
President Macron's Push
President Macron is behind this push. He's been talking about how social media can hurt kids' mental health. He thinks it's not right to leave kids' well-being in the hands of companies that just want to make money. So, the plan is to block sites like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok for young teens.
Government's Approach
But it's not just about banning everything. The government will make a list of social media sites and decide which ones are too harmful for kids. Some sites might still be allowed, but only if parents say it's okay. This way, parents have a say in what their kids can access.
Broader Implications
The ban isn't just about social media. It also includes a rule to keep phones out of high schools. This isn't new; phones are already banned in younger schools. The government is also thinking about how to check ages to make sure the ban works.
Global Trend
France isn't the only one thinking about this. Other countries like Denmark, Greece, Spain, and Ireland are looking at similar ideas. Even the UK is considering a ban for kids under 16. It seems like a lot of places are worried about the same thing: how social media affects young people.
Background and Challenges
The idea for this law came from a report last year. A group looked into how sites like TikTok affect kids' minds. The government then decided to make this a big part of their plans. Macron wants this done fast, so he's using a special process to get it approved by September.
There have been some bumps in the road. The government had to change the plan after some legal concerns. A similar idea last year didn't work because it broke some laws. But this time, they're trying to get it right.
